Virginia Democratic lawmakers are advancing plans to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, leveraging a procedural loophole to restart a special legislative session. House Speaker Don Scott announced the move in a letter, stating the chamber would address matters from an ongoing 2024 special session that was never formally concluded. Under Virginia law, only the governor can convene a special session, but Democrats are exploiting a technicality to push their agenda.
The effort comes as Republican-led states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have enacted maps favoring the GOP at President Donald Trump’s direction. Virginia’s current congressional delegation includes six Democratic and five Republican representatives. Analysts suggest redistricting could shift three seats from Republican to Democratic control, creating a 9-2 majority. While Democrats have not officially confirmed the focus on map changes, Republican legislators and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee have acknowledged redistricting as part of Monday’s agenda.
A new map would require a state constitutional amendment, necessitating two legislative approvals with an intervening election before voter approval. Democrats face procedural challenges to accelerate the timeline for the 2026 midterms. The current electoral boundaries, which include contested districts like the 1st and 7th Congressional Districts, have already seen early campaigning. Virginia would join California as states where Democratic leaders are countering Republican redistricting efforts.
The U.S. House of Representatives currently holds a 219-213 Republican majority.
