Virginia Democrats Unveil Proposed Congressional Map

New map would favor Democrats in 10 out of 11 districts, including changes to Hampton Roads area

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Democratic legislators in the Virginia General Assembly have unveiled a proposed new congressional map that would give their party an advantage in 10 out of the state's 11 congressional districts, compared to the current map where Democrats hold 6 seats. The new 8th District would encompass parts of the Hampton Roads region, including James City County, York County, and Williamsburg, which are currently represented by Republican Congressman Rob Wittman.

Why it matters

The proposed redistricting plan is part of a broader effort by Democrats to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states that have favored the GOP. Virginia's current congressional map has been challenged, leading to a constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to redraw districts mid-decade in response to other states' redistricting.

The details

Under the proposed map, the new 8th District would stretch from York County through Spotsylvania County, with a narrow section encompassing parts of northern Virginia including Alexandria. This district would favor Democrats 63.1% to 36.9% based on 2025 election results. The current 1st District represented by Republican Rob Wittman would be significantly redrawn. The proposed 2nd District represented by Republican Jen Kiggans would remain visually similar but become slightly more Democratic-leaning at 54.5% vs 45.5%. The heavily Democratic 3rd District represented by Democrat Bobby Scott would also remain largely unchanged.

  • The proposed map was unveiled by Democratic legislators in the Virginia General Assembly on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • Governor Abigail Spanberger is expected to sign legislation on Friday, February 6, 2026 that would schedule a referendum for voters to decide on the proposed map.

The players

Virginia General Assembly

The state legislature of Virginia, which has unveiled the proposed new congressional map that would favor Democrats.

Rob Wittman

Republican U.S. Representative for Virginia's 1st congressional district, whose district would be significantly redrawn under the proposed map.

Jen Kiggans

Republican U.S. Representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district, whose district would remain visually similar but become slightly more Democratic-leaning under the proposed map.

Bobby Scott

Democratic U.S. Representative for Virginia's 3rd congressional district, whose heavily Democratic district would remain largely unchanged under the proposed map.

Abigail Spanberger

Governor of Virginia, who is expected to sign legislation scheduling a referendum on the proposed congressional map.

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What they’re saying

“These are not ordinary times, and Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while it happens. Our maps are ready. Virginia is ready. We said 10-1 (Democratic-advantaged districts to Republican-advantaged districts), and we meant it. We are proud to deliver a map that stands up for democracy, to stand up Virginians, to stand up and give us a voice. (Trump) started this mess, and Virginia is going to finish it.”

— Louise Lucas, State Senator, D-Portsmouth

“I think both bodies, the legislature and the executive, are on the same page. Now we just got to get the judicial to get out the way.”

— Don Scott, House Speaker, D-Portsmouth

What’s next

The proposed map is tacked on to the state's caboose budget bill, which is expected to be amended on Friday, February 6, 2026. If the constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade redistricting is upheld by the Supreme Court of Virginia, voters will then decide on a yes or no basis whether to adopt the proposed congressional map.

The takeaway

The proposed congressional map in Virginia is part of a broader partisan battle over redistricting, with Democrats seeking to counter Republican-led efforts in other states that have favored the GOP. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress, making Virginia's redistricting process a closely watched political fight.