Virginia Lawmaker Accuses Gov. Spanberger of Gerrymandering to Gain National Spotlight

Republican Rep. Ben Cline says Spanberger's support for controversial redistricting plan helped her win coveted response to Trump's State of the Union address.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Virginia Republican lawmaker has accused Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger of supporting a controversial redistricting plan in order to gain favor with the national Democratic party and secure the opportunity to deliver the official response to President Trump's State of the Union address. Rep. Ben Cline says Spanberger's support for the redistricting plan, which would eliminate Virginia's 6-5 Republican-to-Democrat congressional ratio, belies her previous public statements against gerrymandering.

Why it matters

This accusation highlights the ongoing partisan battle over redistricting and gerrymandering, which can have significant impacts on the balance of power in Congress. Spanberger's shift from her campaign promises on gerrymandering to supporting the Democratic-led redistricting plan has drawn criticism from Republicans who say it was a calculated move to raise her national profile.

The details

According to Rep. Cline, the new congressional map proposed by Virginia Senate Leader L. Louise Lucas and House Speaker Don Scott would eliminate most of the state's Republican-held districts, leaving only Rep. Morgan Griffith's district in a favorable position. Cline says Spanberger's support for this plan, which he calls 'partisan gerrymandering,' has made her a 'darling' of the national Democratic party and led to her being chosen to deliver the official response to Trump's State of the Union address.

  • The proposed constitutional amendment to redraw Virginia's congressional maps is set to go before voters on April 21, 2026.
  • Spanberger was selected to deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who is accused of supporting a controversial redistricting plan in order to gain favor with her national party.

Ben Cline

A Republican U.S. Representative from Virginia whose district would be significantly impacted by the proposed redistricting plan.

L. Louise Lucas

The Democratic leader of the Virginia State Senate who has spearheaded the redistricting plan.

Don Scott

The Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates who has also supported the redistricting plan.

Morgan Griffith

The only Republican U.S. Representative from Virginia whose district would remain favorable under the proposed redistricting plan.

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What they’re saying

“Governor Spanberger is trying to play the national Democrats to raise her profile and try and get on the national scene on the agenda by acquiescing to this partisan gerrymandering of the Virginia legislature.”

— Ben Cline, U.S. Representative, Virginia (Fox News Digital)

“What Governor Spanberger did by withdrawing from our 287-G agreement with the state police is unacceptable. It makes us a sanctuary state for violent, illegal immigrants who are trying to escape being held accountable for their crimes.”

— Ben Cline, U.S. Representative, Virginia (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The proposed constitutional amendment to redraw Virginia's congressional districts will go before voters on April 21, 2026. The outcome of this vote will determine the future shape of the state's electoral map.

The takeaway

This partisan battle over redistricting highlights the ongoing challenges of gerrymandering and its impact on the balance of power in Congress. Voters in Virginia will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed changes, which could have significant implications for the state's political landscape.