Virginia Judge Rules Democrats' Redistricting Plan Illegal

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Virginia judge has ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment allowing Democrats to redraw the state's Congressional maps is illegal, potentially thwarting their efforts to pick up seats in the U.S. House in the upcoming November elections. The judge said the Democratic-led legislature failed to follow its own rules in adding the redistricting amendment to a special session, calling it "a blatant abuse of power."

Why it matters

Redistricting battles across the country have resulted in both parties gaining an advantage in several states, with Republicans believing they can win nine more seats and Democrats thinking they can win six more. The ruling in Virginia could have major implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The details

In October, Virginia lawmakers advanced their mid-decade redistricting resolution less than a week before their statewide races. Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled that the proposed constitutional amendment was invalid due to a technicality under state law that says such proposals must be passed and published by the clerk's office at least three months before a general election. The judge also said the Democratic-led legislature failed to follow its own rules in adding the redistricting amendment to a special session.

• In October, lawmakers advanced their mid-decade redistricting resolution.
• On January 27, 2026, Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled the proposed amendment was invalid.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Virginians for Fair Elections said they expect an appeal of the judge's ruling.