Judge Halts Certification of Virginia Map Referendum

A Virginia judge on Wednesday blocked certification of the state's closely watched congressional redistricting referendum, the latest twist in a legal battle with major implications for control of the U.S. House.

The Tazewell County Circuit Court ruled the referendum and the law enabling it unconstitutional, preventing state officials from certifying the results of Tuesday's vote, WJLA-TV and the Cardinal News reported. The measure was narrowly approved by voters.

Attorney General Jay Jones, a Democrat, said the state will appeal the ruling.

The decision follows months of litigation over the Democrat-backed effort to redraw Virginia's congressional districts mid-decade. Republicans challenged the process, arguing lawmakers violated constitutional requirements in advancing the amendment.

A Tazewell judge earlier sided with GOP plaintiffs, finding the General Assembly failed to follow required procedures, including rules governing special legislative sessions and public notice of constitutional amendments.

Specifically, the court found lawmakers improperly used a special session not authorized for redistricting, failed to meet timing requirements tied to general elections, and did not comply with a law requiring amendments to be publicly posted at least 90 days before a vote.

Despite those rulings, the Virginia Supreme Court allowed the referendum to proceed, with litigation continuing after Election Day.

Voters ultimately approved the measure by just 2.9 percentage points (51.45%-48.55%), according to DecisionDesk HQ, temporarily giving the Democrat-controlled General Assembly authority to redraw congressional districts through 2030, replacing the state's bipartisan redistricting commission for that period.

Supporters argued the change was needed to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states, while opponents called it a partisan power grab that undermines Virginia's voter-approved system designed to limit gerrymandering.

The stakes extend beyond Virginia. Analysts said a new map could shift several House seats toward Democrats, potentially influencing the balance of power in Washington, where Republicans hold a narrow majority.

With certification now halted, the case is expected to move quickly through appeals, leaving uncertainty over whether any new congressional map will take effect before the 2026 elections.