Virginia Congressional Redistricting Challenge (RNC)

An anti-voting lawsuit seeking to prevent Virginians from voting on a constitutional amendment to counteract GOP nationwide redistricting efforts.

Background

The Republican National Committee (RNC), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and two GOP congressmen filed a lawsuit against state officials seeking to block a redistricting amendment enacted by the Virginia legislature to counteract mid-decade redistricting by Republicans nationwide. Republicans argue that the amendment is unconstitutional because it was not approved by two different assemblies and voting on the initiative will start less than 90 days after final passage of the amendment. Additionally, they claim that the ballot question for the referendum is misleading and the title of the enabling legislation includes more than one subject in violation of the constitution. Republicans ask the court to block the state from moving forward with the initiative until 90 days after final passage or until it has been reapproved by the legislature in the 2027 session.

Why It Matters

Virginia is the second state, after California, to potentially net seats for Democrats since President Donald Trump called on Republican-controlled states to conduct mid-decade redistricting to secure maximum GOP advantage in the 2026 midterm elections. Redistricting in Virginia could result in up to four additional seats for Democrats, counteracting new GOP seats created in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina.

Latest Update

• Mar. 4, 2026: The Virginia Supreme Court paused the trial court’s Feb. 19 order halting preparations for the election. The special election will move forward with early voting beginning on Mar. 6.
• Feb. 20, 2026: Virginia appealed to the state supreme court and requested a stay of the circuit court order.
• Feb. 19, 2026: A hearing was held and the court granted the RNC’s temporary restraining order, halting preparation for the special election.
• Feb. 18, 2026: Complaint filed.