Virginia Republicans Sue to Block Democrats' Redistricting Amendment Effort

Virginia Democrats are pushing a constitutional amendment to regain control over redistricting, aiming to redraw U.S. House district maps outside the usual decennial cycle in response to GOP-led gerrymandering efforts in other states. This move reverses their earlier support for an independent redistricting commission established in 2020, which was intended to prevent partisan map drawing. Virginia Republicans have filed a lawsuit challenging the Democrats' authority to reconvene the legislature for this purpose, arguing the special session lacks legal standing to propose such amendments. Attorney General Jason Miyares issued a legal opinion asserting the next House of Delegates election is in 2027, not sooner, potentially derailing the Democrats' timeline for passing the amendment before the upcoming elections. Democrats criticize Miyares' stance as politically motivated and aligned with former President Trump’s agenda to favor Republican gerrymanders. The debate highlights a contentious battle over redistricting control ahead of Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial election, with significant implications for political power in the state.