Virginia Democrats Seek Redistricting Ahead of 2026

Virginia Democrats announced plans to pursue mid‑decade redistricting to flip two or three Republican-held U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Senate majority leader Scott Surovell confirmed lawmakers will convene a special session to begin the process. Because Virginia’s constitution and a 2020 voter-approved independent commission govern redistricting, Democrats must pass a constitutional amendment in two consecutive legislative sessions and then win a statewide referendum to redraw the maps. Democrats hold narrow legislative majorities (51–49 in the House of Delegates and 21–19 in the State Senate) and face procedural and political hurdles — including all 100 House seats on the Nov. 4 ballot and historically strong voter support for the commission — making success uncertain. If approved, the new map could shift Virginia’s congressional delegation from a 6–5 Democratic edge to as much as 9–2, potentially aiding Democratic efforts to regain control of the U.S. House.