Virginia Democrats plan vote for redistricting, according to NYTimes

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Democrats may be planning a vote to redraw the state's congressional maps in a special session next week.

The New York Times broke the news on Thursday, reporting that Virginia Senate majority leader Scott Surovell had confirmed the redistricting plans.

According to that report, Democrats are planning "the first step" toward redrawing congressional maps in an attempt to gain two or three more seats.

A notice from the Office of the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates confirmed that the House will reconvene for a special session at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, but did not specify what would be discussed. No Democratic leaders in Virginia have commented on any redistricting plans as of the time of this reporting.

The Virginia Senate Republican Caucus has called on Virginia's gubernatorial candidates -- Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger -- to reject the redistricting attempt publicly.

“Democrats see the political tide turning against them and now they’re trying to rewrite the rules before voters even finish casting their ballots,” said Leader Ryan McDougle. “Calling a special session to undo Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting Constitutional amendment is not about fairness or good government, it’s about power.”

The news comes after Republican lawmakers in Texas redrew the state's congressional district in August to give the party a shot at winning five additional seats. Californian Democrats responded with a redistricting plan for their own state -- though it is still awaiting voter approval. Last month, Missouri Republicans adopted revised districts aimed at helping the GOP win another seat. On Tuesday, North Carolina voted on a redistricting plan that is expected to transfer one congressional seat from Republicans to Democrats.

Other states considering redistricting include Indiana, Kansas and Nebraska.