Virginia Court Blocks Democrats' Redistricting Referendum

Temporary restraining order granted to GOP over ballot timing and phrasing

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Virginia court has temporarily blocked a Democratic-led effort to redraw the state's congressional maps through a voter referendum. The Tazewell Circuit Court granted a request from the Republican National Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee to halt the referendum, citing issues with its timing and phrasing. This is the second setback for Virginia Democrats in their redistricting push, following a previous ruling that blocked them from redrawing the maps through a constitutional amendment.

Why it matters

The ruling is a boost for former President Donald Trump, who has urged states to redraw election maps in Republicans' favor ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in Congress, and historical trends suggest the party in power often loses seats in the president's first midterm. Trump and the GOP are hoping redistricting can help offset potential losses.

The details

The temporary restraining order was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee. They argued that the referendum's timing and phrasing were problematic. This follows a previous ruling last month that blocked Virginia Democrats from redrawing the congressional maps through a constitutional amendment, with a judge saying the party failed to follow its own rules. Republicans have pursued new district maps in several states, believing redistricting could yield as many as nine additional House seats. Democrats had hoped Virginia's efforts could help narrow that gap.

  • On December 2025, Virginia Democrats proposed redrawing congressional maps to gain four more seats.
  • In January 2026, a federal court ruled that Virginia Democrats failed to follow their own rules in trying to redraw the maps through a constitutional amendment.
  • On February 19, 2026, the Tazewell Circuit Court granted a temporary restraining order to block the Democratic-led redistricting referendum.

The players

Republican National Committee

The national organization of the Republican Party that works to elect Republican candidates.

National Republican Congressional Committee

The campaign arm of House Republicans that works to elect Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Virginia Democrats

The Democratic Party organization in the state of Virginia.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has urged states to redraw election maps in Republicans' favor ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.

Jay Jones

The Attorney General of Virginia who stated his office will appeal the court's ruling.

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What they’re saying

“My office will immediately appeal the ruling issued by the Tazewell County Circuit Court. These arguments are already before the Supreme Court of Virginia, the proper forum to consider the arguments, which has set a schedule for receiving arguments and has justifiably allowed the vote to proceed at this time.”

— Jay Jones, Virginia Attorney General (Associated Press)

What’s next

The temporary restraining order is only temporary, and the Supreme Court of Virginia is set to consider the arguments around the referendum's timing and phrasing.

The takeaway

This ruling is the latest development in the ongoing redistricting battle between Republicans and Democrats in Virginia and across the country. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.