Virginia NAACP backs Dems’ redistricting push ahead of 2026 midterm elections

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia NAACP is backing redistricting plans to redraw the state's congressional maps, citing the protection of Black voters' representation and American democracy.

The nonpartisan civil rights organization announced Thursday, Oct. 30, that it supports efforts to push through a redraw of Virginia's congressional maps, which the organization said would protect Black political representation.

"Across the country, we are witnessing a campaign to suppress Black political power through racial gerrymandering, voter intimidation, and legislative manipulation," the release said.

PREVIOUS: Dems release redistricting amendment: What’s the process of getting it passed?

According to the release, NAACP is challenging "anti-democratic tactics" across the country where redistricting efforts are underway, including in California and Virginia.

The announcement came after Virginia Democrats released a redistricting amendment on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that gives the General Assembly the power to redraw the maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The current state constitution requires a bipartisan committee to redraw Virginia's congressional maps every 10 years at the beginning of each decade. The proposed amendment would allow a redraw mid-decade because other states like Texas and California have already done the same.

Several members of the Republican Party have spoken out against redistricting plans.

PREVIOUS: Virginia Republicans file lawsuit to block Democrats’ special redistricting session

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

The redrawing would make the maps more favorable for Democrats, which supporters said is necessary because Republicans have redrawn maps in states like North Carolina and Texas.

The House of Delegates passed the proposed amendment on Oct. 29.

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.