Virginia Redistricting Referendum Sparks Debate in Rocky Mount

Competing town halls highlight split messages on proposed congressional maps

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:35am

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Voters in Virginia's 9th Congressional District heard contrasting views on a redistricting referendum during separate town halls held by Democratic candidate Adam Murphy and Republican incumbent Rep. Morgan Griffith in Rocky Mount. The referendum, which will be decided on April 21, has drawn high early voter turnout as it proposes redrawn congressional maps that could shift the balance of power in the state.

Why it matters

The outcome of the redistricting referendum could have significant implications for the political landscape in Virginia, with the proposed maps potentially favoring Democrats by concentrating Republican voters in fewer districts. This has sparked concerns from GOP leaders like Griffith about the dilution of rural voices, while Democrats like Murphy argue the referendum is a necessary response to gerrymandering in other states.

The details

At his town hall, Murphy highlighted issues like healthcare access and job opportunities as key priorities, while also voicing support for the redistricting referendum as a way to counter gerrymandering in other states. Nearby, Griffith held a 'vote no' event, arguing the proposed maps would shift power to Northern Virginia at the expense of rural areas. Early voting numbers have already surpassed the 2025 general election, underscoring the high stakes of the referendum.

  • The redistricting referendum will be decided on April 21, 2026.
  • The deadline to register to vote in the special election is April 14, 2026.

The players

Adam Murphy

One of five Democratic candidates running to unseat Congressman Griffith in Virginia's 9th Congressional District.

Rep. Morgan Griffith

The Republican incumbent representing Virginia's 9th Congressional District, who held a 'vote no' town hall on the redistricting referendum.

Rep. Ben Cline

The Republican representative for Virginia's 6th Congressional District, who joined Griffith in presenting differences between the current and proposed redistricting maps.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest one, maybe off the bat, would be healthcare. There are a lot of counties in this district where you have to travel hours to get healthcare, where hospital services do not have all the options or skilled services, so you'd have to travel hours away or go across state lines to get the healthcare you need. I feel that you shouldn't have to drive hours to get the healthcare you need.”

— Adam Murphy, Democratic Candidate, Virginia's 9th Congressional District

“Well, I think a lot of people realize this is a shift of power in Congress to Northern Virginia, so that most of Virginia's delegation will sit in Fairfax or Prince William County. And it takes power away from the rural areas, too; that's why your counties are turning out. We just have to keep people coming out and realize that the 'no' vote, if you look at the maps, is the fair vote.”

— Rep. Morgan Griffith, Republican Incumbent, Virginia's 9th Congressional District

What’s next

Election Day for the redistricting referendum is April 21, 2026. The deadline to register to vote in the special election is April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The high early voter turnout and competing messages from Democratic and Republican leaders in Virginia's 9th Congressional District highlight the high stakes and divisive nature of the upcoming redistricting referendum. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state's congressional delegation.