Anti-redistricting side calls in reinforcements

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The “No” side is calling in reinforcements to help oppose Virginia’s redistricting referendum that could give Democrats the power to redraw Virginia’s congressional map.

Former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is set to hit the campaign trail in Lynchburg on April 11 to oppose the redistricting referendum, alongside Republican Congressman John McGuire (VA-05) and Republican members of the General Assembly.

“Youngkin’s voice, I think still matters to Republicans and Youngkin wasn’t brought in here to try to get Democrats to vote no, he was brought in here to drive Republican turnout,” Randolph-Macon Political Science Professor Rich Meagher told 8News. 

Meanwhile, on that same day, U.S. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) will headline a fundraiser in Great Falls, for Virginians for Fair Maps, the main campaign opposing redistricting in Virginia.

Meagher said Johnson’s trip to Virginia suggests Republicans are invested in the “No” campaign. 

“It’s one thing, for, you know, local Virginia electeds to say, you know, we’re opposed to this, but for them to recruit outside almost endorsers on the 'No' side, suggests that they really do think this battle is a winnable one for them,” Meagher said.

Despite that, Meagher said Youngkin and Johnson’s involvement likely won’t change how the pro-redistricting side approaches the race. 

“And I’m hearing a lot of noise from the Democratic side of things that they're really convinced that this is important, that this 'Yes' vote is the way to go to counter Trump, I mean, that argument is hitting among Democratic voters,” Meagher said.

Early voting in Virginia’s redistricting referendum continues through April 18. Election Day is April 21.