Virginia Democrats Accused of Gerrymandering Congressional Maps

Proposed redistricting plan would give Democrats control of 10 of 11 House seats in the state

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Democrats in the Virginia state legislature are facing accusations of gerrymandering after proposing a congressional redistricting plan that would give their party control of 10 of the state's 11 House seats, despite Republicans losing the last presidential election in Virginia by just 6 points. The plan has drawn criticism from some prominent Democrats, including the state's two Democratic senators, who have suggested a less aggressive map. However, the driving force behind the 10-1 map is the state Senate president pro tempore, L. Louise Lucas, who has been openly hostile to the interests of Northern Virginia for decades.

Why it matters

The proposed redistricting plan in Virginia highlights the ongoing debate over gerrymandering and the role of partisan politics in the redrawing of congressional maps. The issue has become increasingly contentious, with both parties accused of manipulating district boundaries to gain a political advantage. The outcome in Virginia could have ripple effects, as other states like Florida are also considering redistricting plans in response.

The details

The redistricting plan in Virginia was proposed by Democrats in the state legislature, who control both chambers. The plan would effectively disenfranchise millions of Virginians by redrawing congressional maps to give Democrats control of 10 of the state's 11 House seats. This comes despite Republicans losing the last presidential election in Virginia by just 6 points. The plan has drawn criticism from some prominent Democrats, including the state's two Democratic senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, who have suggested a less aggressive map that would net the party three new seats instead of four. However, the driving force behind the 10-1 map is the state Senate president pro tempore, L. Louise Lucas, who has been openly hostile to the interests of Northern Virginia for decades.

  • The Virginia legislature proposed the redistricting plan in February 2026.
  • A circuit court judge has ruled that Democrats violated state law by not correctly following procedures for putting the proposed amendment on the ballot.
  • The state Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether the April referendum can proceed.

The players

L. Louise Lucas

The 82-year-old president pro tempore of the Virginia state Senate, who has been the driving force behind the 10-1 congressional redistricting map and has been openly hostile to the interests of Northern Virginia for decades.

Tim Kaine

One of Virginia's Democratic U.S. senators, who has suggested a less aggressive redistricting plan that would net the party three new seats instead of four.

Mark R. Warner

The other Democratic U.S. senator from Virginia, who has also suggested a less aggressive redistricting plan.

Abigail Spanberger

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia, who previously voted to transfer redistricting to a bipartisan commission, but has now signed a bill to schedule an April 21 referendum that would move it back to the legislature.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida, who has called a special session to discuss redistricting in his state in response to the proposed changes in Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“Gerrymandering is detrimental to our democracy.”

— Abigail Spanberger

“we do not need 'coaching' on redistricting coming from a cuck chair in the corner.”

— L. Louise Lucas, President pro tempore, Virginia State Senate

What’s next

The Virginia Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether the April referendum can proceed, which would allow voters to decide on the proposed redistricting plan.

The takeaway

The redistricting battle in Virginia highlights the ongoing debate over gerrymandering and the role of partisan politics in shaping electoral districts. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, and may prompt further redistricting battles in other states as both parties seek to gain a political advantage.