{"id":2572134,"date":"2026-02-20T21:44:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T02:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-democrats-pass-proposed-redistricting-map-as-court-battle-ensues\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T21:46:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T02:46:52","slug":"virginia-democrats-pass-proposed-redistricting-map-as-court-battle-ensues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-democrats-pass-proposed-redistricting-map-as-court-battle-ensues\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Democrats pass proposed redistricting map as court battle ensues"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fvirginia-democrats-pass-proposed-redistricting-map-as-court-battle-ensues%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2572134&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Virginia Democrats have advanced and passed their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/jasmine-crockett-calls-trump-temu-hitler\/\" title=\"Jasmine Crockett calls Trump \u2018Temu Hitler\u2019\">proposed congressional redistricting map<\/a> through teh full state legislature as an amendment to the budget, sending it to Gov. Abigail Spanberger to sign or veto. If enacted, the map would tilt 10 of Virginia\u2019s 11 congressional districts to Democrats in the 2026 elections, a substantial shift from the current 5 Republican\u20136 Democratic split.The move comes <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >amid ongoing court challenges<\/a> to the map\u2019s legality, with Republicans challenging both the redistricting plan and a separate push for a statewide referendum that would let the General Assembly redraw the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/democrats-release-new-california-map-that-targets-five-gop-districts-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"... release new California ... that targets five GOP districts - Washington Examiner\">map mid-decade<\/a>. A special April election on a constitutional amendment could empower the General Assembly to redraw districts; if voters approve, the proposed map could become the default for the midterms. The article notes battleground districts that could be affected, such as Jen Kiggans\u2019 district, and places the advancement in the context of recent Virginia voting patterns.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Virginia Democrats pass proposed redistricting map in midst of court battle<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2511757\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/virginia\/\">Virginia<\/a> Democrats passed their proposed congressional map through the full <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/state-legislatures\/\">state legislature<\/a> on Friday as they await a court ruling on whether or not their <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/redistricting\/\">redistricting<\/a> move is legal.<\/p>\n<p>The Democratic-controlled state House and Senate passed the map this week, as an amendment to the state budget, along party lines, sending it to Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/abigail-spanberger\/\">Abigail Spanberger <\/a>(D-VA) for her to sign or veto. The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/lis.blob.core.windows.net\/lisfiles\/20261\/VA%20Congressional%20Proposed%20-%20Amended.pdf\">proposed map<\/a> would favor Democratic candidates in 10 of the 11 districts throughout the state by the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-election\/\">2026 elections<\/a>, marking a significant swing for a state that currently has five <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/republican\/\">Republican<\/a> and six <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democrats\/\">Democratic<\/a> Representatives.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4466081\/energy-commerce-republicans-investigate-dc-water-potomac-river-sewage-spill\/\">Energy and Commerce Republicans investigating DC Water over Potomac River sewage spill<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4465489\/tony-gonzales-investigation-alleged-affair-staffer-died-suicide\/\">Tony Gonzales under ethics investigation over alleged affair with staffer who died by suicide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4465170\/don-bacon-trump-tariffs-supreme-court-congress\/\">Republican Don Bacon warns Trump: No tariff bailout coming from Congress<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Virginia voters are scheduled, pending <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4463622\/republican-national-committee-sues-virginia-election-officials-redistricting\/\">a current court battle<\/a>, to vote in an April <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/special-election\/\">special election<\/a> on a constitutional amendment that would give the General Assembly the authority to redraw the state&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/desantis-reemerges-as-a-possible-2028-presidential-candidate\/\" title=\"DeSantis reemerges as a possible 2028 presidential candidate\">congressional map mid-decade<\/a>. If Virginians vote yes on the referendum, the proposed map passed Friday would likely be the congressional map in place for the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/midterm-elections\/\">midterm elections<\/a>, if approved by Spanberger.<\/p>\n<p>But the Virginia GOP still has a chance to fight the redistricting move in court. The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/republican-national-committee\/\">Republican National Committee<\/a>&nbsp;filed a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4463622\/republican-national-committee-sues-virginia-election-officials-redistricting\/\">lawsuit on Wednesday<\/a> challenging the state Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision to move forward with<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4457454\/virginia-supreme-court-gives-go-ahead-statewide-referendum-redistricting\/\"> a special election<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It does not &lsquo;restore fairness&rsquo; to replace a nonpartisan redistricting process through an independent commission with a partisan one through a body that is made up of a majority of only one political party,&rdquo; the&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/prod-static.gop.com\/media\/documents\/Filed_Verified_Complaint_-_VA_1771448515.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=260218-rnc_and_nrcc_file_lawsuit_to_stop_virginia_democrats_illegal_attempt_to_redraw_congressional_maps&amp;utm_content=ncl-4gvKW446mp&amp;_nlid=4gvKW446mp&amp;_nhids=ncZmoiwYcxZRls\">RNC lawsuit<\/a>&nbsp;reads. &ldquo;And it does not &lsquo;restore fairness&rsquo; to submit a proposed constitutional amendment to Virginia voters that is a &lsquo;blatant abuse of power.&#8217;&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Virginia House Speaker Don Scott&nbsp;told <em>VPM News<\/em> that he expects Spanberger to sign the amendment with the proposed map into law by Saturday or Monday. He said the map is a way for Virginia Democrats to fight back against redistricting plans in GOP states like Texas, backed by President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Virginia has to fight back,&rdquo; Scott told the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vpm.org\/generalassembly\/2026-02-20\/hb29-redistricting-map-primary-date-vadems-kilgore-spanberger-scott\">outlet<\/a>. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t stand by and do nothing but to do everything in our power to level the playing field.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Ben Cline (R-VA) joined as plaintiffs in the RNC lawsuit. Griffith&rsquo;s seat in southwest Virginia is likely the safest Republican stronghold under the Democratic-proposed map, as he has won his seat in the past two election cycles by over 45% margins.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4462436\/virginia-dan-helmer-house-seat-redistricting\/\">VIRGINIA DEMOCRAT RUNNING FOR NEW HOUSE SEAT CREATED BY HIS OWN REDISTRICTING PLAN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But several closer, battleground districts are at risk of switching under the new map, including Rep. Jen Kiggans&rsquo;s (R-VA) district in the Southeast, as she faces a comeback challenge from former Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA).<\/p>\n<p>Virginia voted for former Vice President&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/kamala-harris\/\">Kamala Harris<\/a>&nbsp;in the 2024 election by a 5.2% margin, with Harris garnering 51.8% of the vote compared to GOP candidate&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">Donald Trump&rsquo;s<\/a>&nbsp;46.6%. Her margin was much closer than that of President Joe Biden&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/centerforpolitics.org\/crystalball\/how-virginia-illustrates-the-2024-election\/\">10-point swing<\/a>&nbsp;in the state in 2020.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virginia Dems push redistricting amid court fight<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3976,"featured_media":2572135,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2257840061.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[4733,3685,16985,5468],"class_list":["post-2572134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-court","tag-democrats","tag-redistricting","tag-virginia"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2257840061.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2572134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3976"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2572134"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2572134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2572138,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2572134\/revisions\/2572138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2572135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2572134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2572134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2572134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}