Virginia voters on Tuesday narrowly signed off on a fiercely debated redistricting referendum, a move that could dramatically reshape the balance of power in Congress after the 2026 midterm elections. According to the New York Post, the measure passed by a significantly slim margin, 50% to 49%, and is expected to significantly tilt the state’s congressional map in Democrats’ favor. If implemented, the new districts could shift Virginia’s current 6–5 Democratic edge to a 10–1 advantage.
At the heart of the proposal is a constitutional change granting the Democrat-controlled General Assembly authority to redraw congressional district lines. Supporters argue the move counters Republican-led redistricting efforts nationwide, while critics say it amounts to an unprecedented partisan power grab.
Republicans have sharply criticized the newly proposed district boundaries, calling them distorted and politically motivated. They argue the changes are designed to dilute conservative voting strength in a state that former Vice President Kamala Harris carried with just under 52% of the vote in 2024.
President Trump weighed in heavily ahead of the vote, warning the referendum would have sweeping national consequences. Speaking during a tele-rally alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump said Republicans could be reduced to holding just a single congressional seat in Virginia.
“If this referendum passes, Democrats will silence the voices of Virginia conservatives and push the same crazy radical left policies in Congress that [Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail] Spanberger is now bringing to Virginia,” Trump warned, according to the outlet.
Johnson echoed those concerns, urging voters to reject what he labeled “the most gerrymandered map in the country,” in an attempt to “wipe out four Republican seats all in one fell swoop for one reason: they want to stop President Trump and our agenda in its tracks.”
Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, however, framed the referendum as a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts elsewhere. In a message posted before polls closed, she accused Trump of orchestrating a broader push to expand GOP representation nationwide.
“Today’s redistricting referendum is about one thing: President Trump’s power grab,” Spanberger wrote on X, urging Virginians to support the measure.
Her stance marks a notable shift from her 2025 gubernatorial campaign, when she said she had “no plans” to pursue redistricting in the state, according to The Post.