Virginia Judge Blocks Certification of Referendum Redrawing U.S. House Map

Overview

• A Virginia circuit judge, Jack Hurley, blocked the state from certifying the referendum results and barred use of the new congressional map, and the attorney general said he will appeal.
• Voters approved the measure on Tuesday to change the state constitution so lawmakers can draw the map through 2030 instead of the independent redistricting commission.
• Media estimates said the plan could shift the delegation from 6 Democrats out of 11 seats to as many as 10, with up to four Republican districts likely to change hands.
• Republicans challenged the process in court, and the Virginia Supreme Court is reviewing issues that could still void or narrow the change.
• The fight is part of a wider mid‑cycle redistricting push that began with GOP moves in Texas, and the Virginia campaign drew heavy outside money, including $64.1 million raised by Virginians for Fair Elections.