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Apportionment (Election law)

Virginia Lawmakers Convene to Redraw Congressional Districts Ahead of 2024 Midterm Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Virginia lawmakers are set to assemble on Monday to begin a process that could redraw the state's congressional districts for the 2026 midterm election, as part of a nationwide effort by Republicans to shore up their control of the US House of Representatives. The process is expected to take months, with the goal of potentially swinging as many as three of the state's 11 congressional seats from Republicans to Democrats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The redistricting effort in Virginia is part of a broader push by Republicans to redraw congressional districts in states with Democratic-controlled legislatures, aiming to gain a majority in the US House of Representatives.
  • The process in Virginia requires amendments to the state constitution, which must be approved in two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly, with an election intervening.
  • The Democrats' plan to redraw the districts is opposed by Republicans, who argue that the vote should not take place so close to the legislative elections.
  • The redistricting commission in Virginia did not put in place a provision that says you can't consider the amendment if some people have already voted.
  • Governors have no role in the amendment process in Virginia.
  • The process in Virginia will likely take all week, with multiple readings required.
  • Democrats say there appear to be limited tools to hinder the process, but Republicans are determined to stop it.

Statistics:

  • Republicans hold a slim majority in the US House of Representatives, with 222 seats to the Democrats' 213.
  • Virginia is one of several states where Republicans are pushing to redraw congressional districts ahead of schedule, including Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina.
  • The redistricting process in Virginia is expected to take months, with a vote on the amendments not likely to take place until mid-April.
  • The Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger is heavily favored to win next week's election.

Sources:

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  • "Virginia lawmakers convene to redraw congressional districts ahead of 2024 midterm elections." (2024).
  • "A.E. Dick Howard, director of the commission that wrote Virginia's current Constitution, said that the language of the Constitution does not appear to bar the Democrats' plan." (2024).
  • "Terry Kilgore, the House Minority Leader, said that the election's already started and it's too late constitutionally to have such a vote." (2024).
  • "Abigail Spanberger's campaign officials declined to comment." (2024).
  • Ben Paviour contributed reporting.

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