Virginia judge temporarily blocks Democrats' redistricting work on bid to flip 4 congressional seats

It's the second time Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled against Democrats' redistricting agenda.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Virginia court on Thursday temporarily blocked Democrats from preparing for an April voter referendum to redraw the state's congressional maps, handing the party another setback in its efforts to pick up four more U.S. House seats in the national redistricting battle.

Why it matters

The ruling is a blow to Democrats' national redistricting strategy, which aimed to flip four congressional seats in Virginia. Redistricting battles are playing out across the country as both parties jockey to gain an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

The Tazewell Circuit Court in Virginia granted a temporary restraining order requested by the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee over the ballot referendum's timing and phrasing. The motion, also signed by Republican U.S. Reps. Ben Cline and Morgan Griffith, argued that Democrats were ramming redistricting-related bills through the legislature despite legal hurdles.

  • On Thursday, the Tazewell Circuit Court in Virginia granted a temporary restraining order.
  • In January, Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled that a resolution for a constitutional amendment was illegally passed in a special legislative session and taken up too close to an intervening election.

The players

Jack Hurley Jr.

A Tazewell Circuit Court judge who has ruled against Democrats' redistricting agenda on two occasions.

Ben Cline

A Republican U.S. Representative who signed the motion against the Democrats' redistricting referendum.

Morgan Griffith

A Republican U.S. Representative who signed the motion against the Democrats' redistricting referendum.

Republican National Committee

The national organization of the Republican Party that requested the temporary restraining order.

National Republican Congressional Committee

The campaign arm of the Republican Party that requested the temporary restraining order.

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What’s next

The case has been appealed to the state Supreme Court, and justices had said they would allow the referendum to proceed while they consider the appeal.

The takeaway

The ruling is a setback for Democrats' efforts to gain an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections through redistricting in Virginia. The ongoing legal battles over redistricting highlight the high stakes and partisan nature of the process.