House passes constitutional amendment that could pave way for mid-decade redistricting

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The House of Delegates has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that could open the door to lawmakers redrawing Virginia’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. 

The amendment would give lawmakers the option to replace congressional maps drawn through a bipartisan process with maps of their own. 

Supporters argue that the redrawing, which will likely make the map more favorable for Democrats, is necessary because Republicans have redrawn maps to their benefit in states like North Carolina and Texas. 

“Donald Trump and his allies are attempting an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats, rig the 2026 midterm election in their favor, and silence voters before we can have our say at the ballot box,” Jamie Lockhart of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, told lawmakers during a committee hearing on Wednesday. 

Opponents argue that getting rid of the maps drawn via a bipartisan process approved by voters in 2020 is a partisan move that will overturn the will of Virginia voters. 

“If the constitution is capable of being temporarily bent to the whims of partisan power politics, what use is it? This effort severely weakens the integrity of our constitutional system of governance, and I pray that this body steps back from the banks of the Rubicon,” said Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey.

We are still several months away from a potential new congressional map. 

If the Senate approves the amendment later this week, the General Assembly needs to pass it again next year before it can be considered by voters in a referendum. 

If voters approve of the amendment, then lawmakers can redraw the maps next spring in time for the 2026 midterms.