Virginia voters have approved a mid-decade redistricting referendum that will allow Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map prior to the 2026 midterm elections. The referendum saw 51.5 percent of voters supporting the measure compared to 48.5 percent opposing it, with approximately 97 percent of votes counted.

As a result, the Virginia state legislature will temporarily redraw congressional districts, which are expected to shift the current delegation from six Democrats and five Republicans to a projected 10-1 advantage for the Democratic Party.

Under typical Virginia law, redistricting occurs every ten years through a bipartisan commission. This recently approved amendment permits a unique mid-decade temporary redistricting process that could be abandoned or adopted permanently following the 2030 census.

Opponents may challenge the referendum’s legality, as the Virginia Supreme Court permitted the vote but has yet to rule on a lower-court appeal. The state high court has precedent to annul election results if it determines constitutional or statutory violations occurred.

McGlennon stated that opponents could take countermeasures, including potential challenges from the Virginia Supreme Court. Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II noted: “The ‘yes’ vote has won Va’s redistricting referendum — but the legal fight is just beginning.” He also cited three constitutional challenges to the amendment process and argued that the new maps violate the contiguity requirement for electoral districts.

Former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed concern: “Thank you to all the voters who turned out to vote against this egregious power grab. The race was much closer than the left expected because Virginians know a 10-1 map is not Virginia.”