Speaker Johnson Attending Fundraiser to Oppose Virginia Redistricting Efforts

House Speaker Mike Johnson will be a special guest at an event to support Virginia Republicans' redistricting efforts.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:07am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a state capitol building or legislative chamber, with the structure bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The battle over redistricting rules in Virginia could shift the balance of power in Congress.Great Falls Today

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will be attending a fundraiser on April 11 in Great Falls, Virginia to oppose efforts from Democrats in the state to redraw the U.S. congressional maps. The event is being hosted by the group Virginians for Fair Maps, which is aiming to keep the current non-partisan redistricting commission in place rather than have the legislature redraw the lines.

Why it matters

The upcoming vote on a constitutional amendment in Virginia could shift the power to redraw congressional districts from a non-partisan commission to the state legislature, which is currently controlled by Democrats. This could give the party an advantage in drawing district boundaries to favor their candidates in future elections.

The details

In January, Virginia's state Senate approved a constitutional amendment that would redraw the congressional maps in the state prior to the upcoming midterm elections. If the ballot measure is approved, the legislature, rather than the current non-partisan commission, would redraw the state's congressional maps through 2030. Around 499,000 Virginia voters have already participated in early voting for this amendment, with Republican-leaning districts seeing higher turnout so far.

  • The fundraiser hosted by Virginians for Fair Maps will take place on April 11, 2026 in Great Falls, Virginia.
  • In January 2026, Virginia's state Senate approved a constitutional amendment to redraw congressional maps.
  • Virginia voters will vote on the redistricting amendment in the spring of 2026.

The players

Mike Johnson

A Republican U.S. Representative from Louisiana who currently serves as the Speaker of the House.

Virginians for Fair Maps

A group that is hosting the fundraiser to oppose efforts to redraw Virginia's congressional districts and keep the current non-partisan redistricting commission in place.

Larry Sabato

The Director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, who commented on the early voting trends in Virginia's congressional districts.

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What they’re saying

“'Mike Johnson is doing a fundraiser for the Virginia Republicans' redistricting effort, per invite. Event on April 11 in Great Falls for Virginians for Fair Maps.'”

— Teddy Schleifer, MS NOW contributor

“'The more Democratic suburban areas and urban areas in those congressional districts that are represented by Democrats are turning out at a greater rate.'”

— Larry Sabato, Director, University of Virginia Center for Politics

What’s next

Virginia voters will vote on the constitutional amendment to redraw congressional districts in the spring of 2026. The outcome of this vote will determine whether the state legislature or a non-partisan commission will be responsible for redistricting.

The takeaway

The upcoming vote on Virginia's redistricting amendment has become a partisan battleground, with Republicans seeking to maintain the current non-partisan process and Democrats pushing to give the legislature control over drawing new district maps. This fight over the rules of the game could have major implications for the balance of power in Congress.