Descendant of Founding Father Blasts Spanberger's Redistricting Push

Virginia Republican Del. Anne Ferrell Tata, a descendant of Patrick Henry, condemns governor's partisan redistricting efforts.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Virginia Republican Del. Anne Ferrell Tata, a direct descendant of Founding Father Patrick Henry, has condemned Gov. Abigail Spanberger's efforts to redraw congressional districts in a way that would likely eliminate all but one Republican representative. Tata argued that Spanberger's actions go against the will of Virginia voters who approved a constitutional reform to remove politicians from the redistricting process.

Why it matters

The debate over redistricting in Virginia highlights the ongoing tensions between partisan interests and efforts to create a more fair and representative electoral system. As a descendant of the famous 'Give me liberty or give me death' orator Patrick Henry, Tata's criticism carries significant historical weight and speaks to longstanding concerns about government power and the rights of citizens.

The details

In her response to Spanberger's Democratic rebuttal to the State of the Union, Tata condemned the governor's efforts to redraw congressional districts in a way that would likely eliminate all but one Republican representative. Tata argued that this goes against the will of Virginia voters who approved a constitutional reform to remove politicians from the redistricting process. She noted that other states, including Republican-led Indiana and Democratic-led Maryland, have respected similar voter-approved reforms, while Spanberger and her allies in Virginia 'chose power instead.'

  • In 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech at the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond.
  • A few years ago, Virginia voters approved a constitutional reform to remove politicians from the redistricting process.

The players

Anne Ferrell Tata

A Virginia Republican state delegate and direct descendant of Founding Father Patrick Henry.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who is pushing for partisan redistricting efforts.

Patrick Henry

A Founding Father famous for his 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech, and the ancestor of Del. Tata.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Virginians deserve leaders who keep their word, especially when it's hard. That is the standard, and it should apply to all of us.”

— Anne Ferrell Tata, Virginia Republican state delegate (foxnews.com)

“A few years ago, Virginians did something rare. We agreed the old redistricting system wasn't working. Too much power in the hands of politicians, too little trust from the public.”

— Anne Ferrell Tata, Virginia Republican state delegate (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The debate over redistricting in Virginia is likely to continue, with Tata and other Republicans pushing back against Spanberger's efforts. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state's congressional delegation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between partisan interests and efforts to create a more fair and representative electoral system. As a descendant of a Founding Father who fought for liberty, Tata's criticism carries significant historical weight and speaks to longstanding concerns about government power and the rights of citizens.