Spanberger signs Virginia Democrats’ proposed congressional map despite ongoing court battle

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed a bill that will allow Virginia voters to weigh in on a controversial mid-decade redistricting proposal in April -- if the proposal can survive its ongoing court battle.

The evening of Friday, Feb. 20, Spanberger signed the bill containing this new congressional map, which would significantly alter Virginia's existing congressional districts.

Virginia Democrats said that this proposed map -- which would favor Democrats for 10 out of 11 seats in Congress -- is an attempt to protect democracy after President Donald Trump successfully lobbied several Republican states, such as Texas, to redraw their congressional maps in a way that favors Republicans.

By contrast, Virginia Republicans said the new map is an attempt at gerrymandering, or the intentional manipulation of electoral maps to unfairly put one party in power.

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The bill calls for the proposal to be sent to Virginia's voters, with the referendum set to be held on April 21. However, the redistricting effort is currently stuck in Virginia's court system, with a Tazewell County judge blocking it twice.

Attorney General Jay Jones (D) said his office is pushing back against the judge’s decision, with Jones pointing out that the Supreme Court of Virginia previously ruled that the referendum could proceed.

Ultimately, without the courts' approval, the referendum will not be able to proceed as planned. Early voting was originally set to begin on March 6.