Virginia Lawmaker Fires Back at Ted Cruz Over Redistricting

Democratic Senate President pro tempore responds with profanity-laced tweet, sparking backlash from MAGA supporters.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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After Texas Senator Ted Cruz criticized Virginia's redistricting process as a "brazen abuse of power" and "an insult to democracy", Virginia Senate President pro tempore L. Louise Lucas, a Democrat, fired back with a profanity-laced tweet telling Cruz "You all started it and we f------ finished it." The comment drew praise from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez but sparked backlash from MAGA supporters like Roger Stone and others who accused Lucas of inappropriate conduct.

Why it matters

The heated exchange highlights the ongoing partisan battles over redistricting and gerrymandering, which have become increasingly contentious in recent years as both parties seek to gain electoral advantages. The incident also underscores the divisive political climate and the willingness of some lawmakers to engage in sharp-tongued rhetoric, even on official social media platforms.

The details

Cruz had criticized Virginia's redistricting process, claiming that while 47% of Virginia voters supported Trump, they would only get 9% of the state's legislative seats, while 52% of voters who supported Harris would get 91% of the seats. This prompted the profane response from Lucas, who accused Cruz and Republicans of starting the gerrymandering fight.

  • On February 7, 2026, Ted Cruz criticized Virginia's redistricting process on Twitter.
  • Later that same day, Virginia Senate President pro tempore L. Louise Lucas responded to Cruz's tweet with a profanity-laced message.

The players

Ted Cruz

A Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who criticized Virginia's redistricting process as a "brazen abuse of power" and "an insult to democracy".

L. Louise Lucas

A Democratic Virginia Senate President pro tempore who responded to Cruz's tweet with a profanity-laced message, telling him "You all started it and we f------ finished it."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New York who celebrated Lucas's response, writing "This is the energy. Thank you."

Roger Stone

A Republican political consultant and Trump ally who criticized Lucas's response as "trashy".

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What they’re saying

“You all started it and we f------ finished it.”

— L. Louise Lucas, Virginia Senate President pro tempore (Twitter)

“This is the energy. Thank you.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Twitter)

“It's not finished till it's finished fat a--.”

— Roger Stone, Republican political consultant (Twitter)

What’s next

The ongoing partisan battles over redistricting and gerrymandering are likely to continue, with both parties seeking to gain electoral advantages through the redrawing of legislative district boundaries.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the increasingly divisive and confrontational nature of American politics, where lawmakers are willing to engage in sharp-tongued rhetoric and even profanity on official platforms. It underscores the need for greater civility and bipartisanship in addressing complex issues like redistricting, which have significant implications for the democratic process.