RNC, NRCC file lawsuit to stop Virginia Democrats’ redistricting proposal

TAZEWELL COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Republican National Committee (RNC), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and two GOP congressman have filed a lawsuit to stop redistricting plans proposed by Virginia Democrats.

The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and challenges Democrats' redistricting plans on the basis of these efforts being unconstitutional, misleading and setting up an unfair advantage for Democrats in future elections.

This comes after the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled that the April 21 redistricting referendum can move forward as planned -- while the court also considers an appeal from Democrats after a lower court in Tazewell ruled the redistricting efforts illegal.

Voters will decide in April whether Democrats are given the power to implement the newly proposed congressional map, featuring ten districts that favor Democrats and one that favors a Republican.

This is not the first lawsuit to challenge attempts by Democrats to redraw congressional maps. On October 28, 2025, several Virginia Republicans filed a lawsuit to block a special legislative session called by Democrats to advance redistricting efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Democrats are arguing that their redistricting plans aim to restore balance after President Donald Trump successfully lobbied several Republican states, such as Texas and Missouri, to redraw their congressional maps to benefit Republicans.

Lawmakers react after VA Supreme Court greenlights redistricting referendum

"Virginia Democrats are ignoring their own Constitution and trying to rig the system in their favor," said NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson. "This is a reckless power grab designed to rush a sham process, mislead voters with deceptive ballot language, and lock in one-party control before Virginians have a fair say. The NRCC is proud to fund this legal fight and work alongside the RNC to stop the scheme and defend honest representation for every Virginian.” 

House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) also put forth a statement regarding the lawsuit:

“Republicans are terrified of the ballot box. The Supreme Court of Virginia has already requested a briefing and approved the referendum going forward as planned. This is yet another attempt to judge shop a complaint to a friendly venue after the Supreme Court refused their earlier efforts. Voters will decide this referendum.”

The full complaint can be viewed below: