Obama Backs Virginia Democrats' Redistricting Plan as It Heads to Voters

Former president promotes effort to redraw congressional lines ahead of midterm elections

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Barack Obama is supporting a Democratic effort to redraw congressional district lines in Virginia, the latest battleground in a nationwide redistricting fight before this year's midterm elections. Obama is urging Virginians to vote for a referendum that would temporarily set aside an independent redistricting process in favor of partisan maps, arguing it will 'level the playing field' for Democrats.

Why it matters

Redistricting has become a key political issue, with both parties seeking to gain an advantage by redrawing district boundaries. Obama's involvement highlights the high stakes, as the outcome in Virginia could impact the balance of power in Congress after the midterms.

The details

The Virginia redistricting plan, passed by the Democratic-led legislature and signed by the Democratic governor, would give the party four more congressional seats. It must be approved by voters in an April 21 referendum. However, the state Supreme Court is still reviewing legal challenges to the plan, meaning the vote could be for naught if the court ultimately blocks the new map.

  • The Virginia redistricting referendum will be held on April 21, 2026.
  • Early voting in the referendum begins on March 5, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The former president of the United States who is promoting the Democratic redistricting effort in Virginia.

Virginians for Fair Elections

The group that released the video featuring Obama's support for the Virginia redistricting referendum.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who signed the proposed congressional map into law.

Eric Holder

The former U.S. Attorney General who now heads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which has filed and supported litigation over GOP-drawn districts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This amendment gives you the power to level the playing field in the midterms this fall. And voters will have the final say over what the maps look like.”

— Barack Obama (Virginians for Fair Elections)

What’s next

The Virginia Supreme Court will rule on the legality of the redistricting plan and referendum before the April 21 vote. If approved by voters, the new congressional map would take effect for the 2022 midterm elections.

The takeaway

The battle over redistricting in Virginia is the latest front in the nationwide fight between Democrats and Republicans to gain an advantage in drawing congressional district boundaries. Obama's involvement highlights the high political stakes, as the outcome could impact the balance of power in Congress after the midterm elections.