Virginia Democrats are preparing to redraw the state’s congressional districts, a surprise addition to the nationwide redistricting fight that could give the party two or three additional House seats.
The sudden development, first reported by The New York Times Thursday and confirmed by multiple outlets, comes just weeks before Virginians head to the polls in statewide elections for governor, attorney general and other offices.
“After what happened in North Carolina, and states across the country, in taking this procedural step, I believe they are keeping options on the table to respond to extreme right-wing gerrymandering next year,” Mandara Meyers, the executive director of a group called The States Project that has reportedly discussed the issue with political leaders in the state, said in a statement to NBC News.
The Virginia Scope reported that state Democrats plan to summon legislators for a special session next week, with one of the sessions focused on redistricting.
“We are coming back to address actions by the Trump administration,” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who confirmed the plans to The Times.
The Virginia Democratic Caucus did not respond to NOTUS’ request for comment.
Democrats currently hold six of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats, and the state is preparing to elect its first female governor next month. Former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger is facing Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
In a statement to NOTUS, newly elected U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw – a Democrat who filled the shoes of his former boss Gerry Connolly after his passing – said he’s been forced to reconsider his support for nonpartisan redistricting due to the Trump administration.
“Like most Democrats, I support non-partisan redistricting. But unfortunately, President Trump, and Republicans in North Carolina, Texas, and elsewhere are trying to rig the 2026 maps because voters are rejecting their failed policies,” Walkinshaw said in the statement. “Given that reality, Virginia can’t take any option off the table to ensure a fair and even playing field in 2026.”
State Republicans spoke out against the plans Thursday. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant pinned his post on X to his profile, saying, “Looks like we’re going to have to start back up the Anti-Gerrymandering movement in Virginia.”
“I’m hearing that our non-partisan Redistricting Commission, enshrined in our state constitution, is going to be under attack. We must protect our norms and institutions!” Sturtevant posted on X. “Thankfully there were many Democrats who supported our effort to end gerrymandering in Virginia, so this will be a great opportunity for bipartisanship!”
State Senator L. Louise Lucas first hinted at Virginia’s interest in redrawing its maps in an August post on X.
“Every state in the nation should follow suit,” Lucas said in reply to a post by former President Barack Obama commenting on the redistricting fight. “Stay tuned for Virginia…”
Virginia would be the first Democratic state to respond to the redistricting efforts brought by Ohio and North Carolina’s Republican majorities this week.