Virginia Voters to Decide Redistricting Fate in High-Stakes Election

Referendum could shift congressional balance of power ahead of 2026 midterms

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of a solitary government building in Richmond, Virginia, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of quiet contemplation, conceptually representing the high-stakes political battle over the state's congressional redistricting.The quiet, contemplative scene of a government building in Richmond reflects the high-stakes battle over Virginia's congressional redistricting.Fairfax Today

Virginians will head to the polls on Tuesday to vote on a ballot initiative that could significantly reshape the state's congressional map, giving Democrats a 10-1 advantage over Republicans instead of the current 6-5 split. The contentious redistricting battle has seen an influx of over $90 million in campaign spending, with both parties pushing get-out-the-vote efforts as early voting lags behind previous years.

Why it matters

The outcome of the Virginia redistricting referendum could have major implications for the 2026 midterm elections, potentially flipping control of Congress if Democrats are able to solidify their advantage in the state. The high-stakes battle is part of a nationwide fight over redistricting, with both parties jockeying to gain an edge through the redrawing of congressional maps.

The details

Virginia Democrats finalized an agreement earlier this year to redraw the state's congressional map, which would create eight safely Democratic districts, two leaning Democratic, and one safe Republican district. This would be a significant change from the current 6-5 Democratic to Republican split. The amendment passed by Democrats would temporarily bypass the state's typical redistricting process, allowing them to move forward with the new map if voters approve the referendum on April 21. However, the process is still under judicial review, with the state Supreme Court hearing a challenge later this month.

  • The Virginia redistricting referendum will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
  • The state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a challenge to the redistricting process later this month.

The players

Virginians for Fair Elections

A group supporting the redistricting referendum that has raised $64 million, including $40 million from House Majority Forward, which is led by House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Virginians for Fair Maps

A group opposing the redistricting referendum that has raised $22 million, along with an additional $7 million raised by the Justice for Democracy PAC, an anti-redistricting group.

Former President Barack Obama

Appeared in a television advertisement for Virginians for Fair Elections, urging voters to approve the redistricting referendum.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Voting the measure through was the 'responsible' thing to do.”

— Barack Obama, Former President

What’s next

If the referendum passes, the new congressional map will still be subject to judicial review, with the state Supreme Court scheduled to hear a challenge later this month.

The takeaway

The Virginia redistricting referendum is a high-stakes battle that could have major implications for the 2026 midterm elections and the balance of power in Congress. The outcome will be closely watched as part of the nationwide fight over redistricting, with both parties seeking to gain an advantage through the redrawing of congressional maps.