Time is running out for Virginia Supreme Court to decide on redistricting referendum
The Virginia Supreme Court faces a May 6 deadline to rule on the legality of a redistricting referendum that shifted the state's congressional map from a 6-5 to a 10-1 Democratic advantage. The Republican National Committee is challenging the map on constitutional grounds, arguing the process bypassed voter-approved safeguards and that the map's design is an extreme partisan gerrymander. With the state board of elections under time pressure, the court's decision could determine whether the current map remains in place for the 2026 elections.
- ▪The Virginia Supreme Court must rule by May 6, or the redistricting map could be invalidated for the 2026 elections under House Bill 1384.
- ▪The Republican National Committee is funding three lawsuits challenging the map's constitutionality, compactness, and the legislative process used to approve it.
- ▪Voters approved the new congressional map by a narrow margin of 51.7% to 48.3%.
- ▪Mike Hurst, general counsel of the RNC, argues the redistricting process violated the Virginia Constitution and calls the map's shape 'lobster-mandering'.
- ▪Matthew Hurtt, chairman of the Arlington County Republican Committee, believes the close vote reflects public support for the previous 6-5 district balance.
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Time is running out for the Virginia Supreme Court to make a decision on the redistricting referendum. The court ruled to block the redistricting map while it makes a decision on the case. According to House Bill 1384, the election must be certified no later than 14 days after the day of the election. This means the Virginia Supreme Court has until May 6, or the map could be found null and void for the 2026 midterm elections. Recommended Stories Reality star Spencer Pratt racks up cash, endorsements in upstart Los Angeles mayor bid DC mayoral debate sees candidates clash on public safety, housing, and more California Democrats base ‘entire political worldview’ on Trump: Byron York “The state board of elections is running up against a clock,” Matthew Hurtt, chairman of the Arlington County…
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