A Virginia judge blocked a Democratic-led effort to adopt a congressional map, ruling the process to introduce a proposed constitutional amendment was invalid and came too close to the November election. The amendment could have shifted as many as four U.S. House seats in Virginia and potentially influenced control of the 435-seat House. Democrats, who hold six of the state’s 11 seats, plan to appeal the decision as redistricting fights continue nationwide.
Virginia Judge Halts Democrats' Push For Pro-Democratic Congressional Map Ahead Of Midterms
A gavel is seen on legal books in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 14, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
WASHINGTON — A Virginia judge on Tuesday blocked a Democratic-led effort to adopt a congressional map that would have been more favorable to the party, delivering a legal setback as lawmakers prepare for this year’s midterm elections.
Judge Jack Hurley Jr. of the Tazewell County Circuit Court ruled that the process Democrats used to introduce a proposed constitutional amendment was invalid and occurred too close to November’s election to proceed. The decision prevents the party from moving forward with a special-election timetable tied to the new map.
What the Ruling Means
The amendment, approved earlier this month by Virginia’s Democratic-controlled legislature, would have allowed lawmakers to redraw the state’s 11 congressional districts. Proponents said the change could have netted Democrats as many as four additional U.S. House seats under some configurations, a shift that might have affected control of the closely divided 435-seat House of Representatives.
Democrats currently hold six of Virginia’s 11 seats. Party leaders said they will appeal Hurley’s ruling. Don Scott, the Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, announced on social media that the party intends to challenge the decision in higher courts.
Broader Context
The ruling arrives amid a nationwide wave of redistricting disputes. Last year, former President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to redraw congressional lines to target Democratic incumbents, prompting countermoves from Democrats in states such as California and fresh map fights across both parties.
Lawmakers had planned to publish a proposed new map and schedule a special election this spring so voters could make an informed choice; the court order now pauses those plans while the appeal process unfolds.
Reporting: John Kruzel; additional reporting by Joseph Ax in New York. Editing: Himani Sarkar.
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