Supreme Court denies Democrats' bid to revive Virginia gerrymander
The Supreme Court rejected Virginia Democrats’ long-shot request to revive a voter-backed redistricting plan for the commonwealth, which was struck down by the Virginia Supreme Court last week.
TL;DR
- The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an emergency petition from Virginia Democrats regarding a redistricting plan.
- The Virginia Supreme Court had previously invalidated a voter-backed redistricting plan due to violations of the state constitution's referendum process.
- Democrats hoped the new map would shift congressional seats in their favor for the 2026 elections.
- The Virginia Supreme Court's ruling cited the passage of a constitutional amendment after early voting began as grounds for invalidating the referendum.
- Virginia Democrats argued that the state Supreme Court misinterpreted the definition of an 'election' and that federal law should apply.
- Governor Abigail Spanberger indicated that the current congressional map would be used for the 2026 elections.
- Virginia Democrats may attempt another redistricting referendum, but it could not take effect before the 2028 election.