Virginia state legislators are moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment that could reshape how the state handles congressional redistricting.
The Hill reported that the amendment would authorize Virginia to redraw its congressional lines mid-decade if another state initiates redistricting outside the normal census cycle or court-ordered revisions.
The measure passed the House of Delegates in a 51-42 vote before advancing through the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on an 8-6 vote. It now heads to the full Senate.
Democrat majorities in both chambers are expected to secure final approval. The proposal allows lawmakers to alter congressional maps through Oct. 31, 2030.
Republican leaders challenged the process in court, asserting that the General Assembly lacks constitutional authority to conduct redistricting outside the Virginia Redistricting Commission’s purview.
A circuit court judge declined to block legislative action but set a Nov. 5 hearing to consider the GOP’s broader constitutional claims.
Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares issued an advisory opinion stating that the amendment could not take effect in time to influence the 2026 elections, citing constitutional timing requirements that limit when amendments may advance between election cycles.
His view underscored potential delays even if the amendment clears both chambers.
The effort reflects Virginia Democrats’ attempt to maintain parity with other states pursuing redistricting changes that could affect congressional control in 2026.
Texas recently redrew its lines following political and legal pressure, while Republicans in Missouri and North Carolina have adopted new maps. California Democrats are pursuing a redistricting ballot measure that is expected to pass next week.
Virginia’s proposal would give the legislature flexibility to respond if those moves are deemed to alter the balance of representation nationwide.
Supporters argue that it preserves fairness and competitiveness. Opponents warn that it risks politicizing a process voters sought to insulate from partisan influence when the Redistricting Commission was created.
The amendment’s fate now depends on whether lawmakers can meet the procedural and timing constraints set out in state law and the Constitution, as well as the outcome of the pending legal challenge.
If successful, it would mark a significant shift in how Virginia handles congressional boundaries between census cycles, placing the state squarely in the national redistricting strategy and control picture.
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