Virginia Democrats take first step toward redrawing the state's congressional map

Virginia Democratic lawmakers on Friday took the first big step in a complicated maneuver to redraw the state's congressional map before next year's midterm elections.

Virginia Democratic lawmakers on Friday took the first big step in a complicated maneuver to redraw the state's congressional map before next year's midterm elections.

The Virginia state Senate on Friday passed a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to draw new maps if another state does the same outside of the usual decennial cycle, unless it comes as result of a court order. The state House approved the measure on Wednesday.

Virginia Democrats need to bypass the bipartisan redistricting commission voters approved just five years ago to pursue a new map that would boost their party. To do so, the Legislature must pass the proposed constitutional amendment twice, with an election in between. Lawmakers took this first vote ahead of Tuesday's elections in Virginia, where key statewide offices, including the governorship, and all 100 state House seats are on the ballot.

Once lawmakers pass the amendment in two different sessions, it will then need to go before voters for final approval. If a majority supports it, Democrats would then need to move quickly to pass new maps before the 2026 elections.

Virginia Democrats’ plan will also require a successful Nov. 4 election so they can pass the amendment in a second session. Democrat Abigail Spanberger is the favorite in the governor’s race, which would flip the seat from GOP control. Democrats are also aiming to maintain or expand their 51-49 majority in the state House.