Virginia Judge Halts Democrats' Redistricting Plan

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:53:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Virginia judge's recent ruling has thrown a wrench into Democrats' plans to redraw Congressional maps, jeopardizing their chances for more seats in the upcoming elections.

In a surprising legal twist, Virginia Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. declared the proposed constitutional amendment allowing Democrats to redraw Congressional maps as illegal. This decision could impede their strategy to gain seats in the U.S. House for the upcoming November elections. The ruling comes as part of a broader mid-decade redistricting battle occurring across the nation, with both parties scrambling for advantage. Virginians for Fair Elections, the campaign backing the amendment, signals intentions to appeal, underscoring the ongoing tension surrounding this contentious issue.

RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia judge ruled on Tuesday that a proposed constitutional amendment that would have let Democrats redraw the state’s Congressional maps was illegal. The ruling came from Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr., who highlighted several reasons for his decision. He asserted that lawmakers failed to follow their own procedures for adding the amendment during the special session and did not comply with the required timeline for public voting.

Following the ruling, Virginians for Fair Elections expressed intentions to appeal, claiming that the decision was influenced by partisan efforts from Republicans. 'Republicans court-shopped for a ruling because litigation and misinformation are the only tools they have left,' said campaign manager Keren Charles Dongo, emphasizing the need for fair opportunities in elections.

This ruling is a part of a larger national trend where redistricting battles are underway, impacting various states with both parties vying for advantages ahead of key elections.