Former Virginia Lawmaker Urges Voters to Reject Redistricting 'Power Grab'

Joseph D. Morrissey says Democrats' mid-decade redrawing of congressional districts is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political office desk or meeting table, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the surface, conveying a sense of solemnity and unease around the topic of partisan redistricting.Morrissey's guest column condemns Virginia Democrats' controversial mid-decade redistricting as an unconstitutional power grab that undermines faith in the political process.Richmond Today

In a guest column, former Virginia state senator Joseph D. Morrissey condemns the state's Democratic legislators for voting to redraw the state's congressional districts mid-decade, calling it an unconstitutional 'power grab' that will lead to an endless cycle of partisan gerrymandering. Morrissey, a Democrat himself, is urging all Virginians to vote against the upcoming referendum on the redistricting plan.

Why it matters

Morrissey's criticism highlights the growing partisan divide over redistricting, with both Democrats and Republicans accused of gerrymandering for political advantage. His stance as a Democrat speaking out against his own party's actions adds weight to the argument that the Virginia plan crosses ethical and legal boundaries.

The details

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment to create a bipartisan redistricting commission, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters. However, in 2025 the Democratic-controlled legislature voted along party lines to redraw the state's 11 congressional districts mid-decade, shifting the map to favor their party. Morrissey argues this violates the spirit of the 2020 amendment and sets a dangerous precedent for future partisan power grabs.

  • In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment to create a bipartisan redistricting commission.
  • In November 2020, 2.7 million Virginians voted 2-1 in favor of the constitutional amendment.
  • In 2025, the Democratic-controlled Virginia legislature voted to redraw the state's congressional districts mid-decade.
  • The upcoming April 21, 2026 referendum will allow Virginia voters to weigh in on the new redistricting plan.

The players

Joseph D. Morrissey

A former Democratic state senator, delegate, and commonwealth's attorney for the city of Richmond, Morrissey is urging Virginia voters to reject the state's new mid-decade redistricting plan.

Virginia Democratic Legislators

The Democratic-controlled Virginia legislature voted along party lines to redraw the state's congressional districts mid-decade, shifting the map to favor their party.

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What they’re saying

“Voters should reject the attempted power grab this redistricting amendment represents.”

— Joseph D. Morrissey, Former Virginia State Senator

“Republicans cheated in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina, so we must cheat in Virginia to 'level the playing field.'”

— Virginia Democratic Legislators

What’s next

The upcoming April 21, 2026 referendum will allow Virginia voters to weigh in on the new redistricting plan. The Virginia Supreme Court may also step in to rule on the legality of the mid-decade redistricting.

The takeaway

Morrissey's criticism as a former Democratic lawmaker highlights the ethical and legal concerns with Virginia's partisan redistricting plan, which sets a dangerous precedent for future gerrymandering battles between the two parties.