Virginia Democrats Unveil Proposed U.S. House Map Despite Court Ruling

The proposed map aims to give Democrats four more seats, but its use in the midterm elections is uncertain due to an ongoing legal challenge.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Virginia Democrats have unveiled a proposed U.S. House map that aims to give their party four more seats, despite a recent court ruling against their redistricting push. The map would dilute Republicans' hold in conservative areas and give Democrats a better footing in districts they want to flip. However, the use of this map in the midterm elections is far from certain as an ongoing legal challenge makes its implementation uncertain.

Why it matters

The redistricting battle in Virginia is part of a broader national fight between Democrats and Republicans over the redrawing of congressional district lines. The proposed map could give Democrats a boost in the House ahead of the November elections, but its legality is being challenged in court.

The details

The proposed map was unveiled by Virginia's top Democratic legislators on Thursday. It would give Democrats 10 of the state's 11 U.S. House seats, based on data from recent past elections. However, in January, a Virginia judge ruled that the Democrats' proposed constitutional amendment for redrawing the state's U.S. House lines was illegal. Democrats are appealing the case, which appears headed to the state Supreme Court.

  • In January 2026, a Virginia judge ruled that the Democrats' proposed constitutional amendment for redrawing the state's U.S. House lines was illegal.
  • On February 9, 2026, Virginia Democrats unveiled the proposed U.S. House map.
  • A congressional primary in Virginia is currently set for June 2026.

The players

Virginia Democrats

The Democratic Party in Virginia, who unveiled the proposed U.S. House map.

L. Louise Lucas

The Virginia state Senate President Pro Tempore, who spoke alongside the House Speaker about the proposed map.

Don Scott

The Virginia House Speaker, who spoke alongside the state Senate President Pro Tempore about the proposed map.

Mike Young

A representative of Virginians for Fair Maps, a Republican-backed group opposed to the proposed redistricting.

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What they’re saying

“These are not ordinary times and Virginia will not sit on the sidelines while it happens. We made a promise to level the playing field, and today we're keeping our promise.”

— L. Louise Lucas, Virginia State Senate President Pro Tempore (wakg.com)

“an illegal, hyper-partisan gerrymander drawn in backrooms hidden from the public and that completely disregards common sense.”

— Mike Young, Representative, Virginians for Fair Maps (wakg.com)

What’s next

The proposed map is currently facing a legal challenge, with the case appearing headed to the Virginia Supreme Court. The outcome of this legal battle will determine whether the map can be used in the upcoming midterm elections.

The takeaway

The redistricting battle in Virginia is a microcosm of the broader national fight between Democrats and Republicans over the redrawing of congressional district lines. The proposed map could give Democrats a boost in the House, but its legality is being challenged in court, underscoring the high stakes and partisan nature of the redistricting process.