A Virginia court on Wednesday blocked the state from enacting new congressional districts that could allow Democrats to flip four Republican House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley ruled that the constitutional amendment on redistricting, narrowly approved by voters in a closely watched election Tuesday night, was invalid.
Hurley, who has twice before issued rulings blocking the redistricting process only to be overruled by higher courts, found the referendum violated parts of Virginia’s constitution and had not been properly authorized by the state General Assembly before being sent out to voters.
Virginia redistricting could result in Democrats taking control of all but one of the state’s 11 congressional seats. Social Good Fund for Dave's RedistrictingThe judge also said the ballot language “did not accurately describe the proposed amendment as it was passed by the General Assembly,” calling the measure “flagrantly misleading.”
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee.
“This ruling is a major victory for Virginians,” RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement. “Democrats attempted to force an unconstitutional scheme to tilt congressional maps in their favor, but the court recognized it for what it is – a blatant power grab.”
The ballot measure sought to amend Virginia’s constitution to give the Democrat-majority General Assembly temporary power to redraw the state’s congressional district lines. APGruters charged that Democrats backing the measure “lied and deceived Virginians to push forward what has always been illegal under state law.”
“Today’s decision once again reaffirms that.”
Virginia Democrat Attorney General Jay Jones said his office would appeal the ruling.
“As I said last night, Virginia voters have spoken, and an activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote,” Jones said in a statement. “We look forward to defending the outcome of last night’s election in court.”
Spanberger infamously said during her 2025 gubernatorial campaign that she had “no plans to redistrict Virginia.” Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe redistricting effort, described by several Republicans as one of the worst gerrymanders they’ve ever seen, could result in a dramatic power swing in the state.
Virginia’s congressional delegation currently breaks 6-5 in favor of Democrats, but the new map aims to shift it to a 10-1 split.
President Trump and top Republicans have argued the new congressional maps, if implemented, will disenfranchise conservatives in the state.
The new district lines aim to siphon voters from the densely populated Democrat-stronghold of Northern Virginia into more rural parts of the state.
Critics argue it will result in a Virginia congressional delegation that is not an fair representation of the state.
