TAZEWELL, VA — A Virginia court has blocked certification of a voter-approved congressional redistricting plan backed by Democrats, setting up a fast-moving legal battle ahead of the midterm elections.
Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. ruled the ballot measure unconstitutional, citing misleading language and procedural issues in how the amendment was introduced. The judge said the referendum failed to meet required notice standards and was improperly advanced during a 2024 special budget session.
The proposed map would have significantly reshaped Virginia’s congressional delegation, potentially shifting it from a closely divided 6-5 split to a strong Democratic advantage.
Hurley also noted that certifying the results could harm existing Republican incumbents, reinforcing concerns raised during the legal challenge.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said the state will immediately appeal the ruling, arguing that courts should not override the will of voters. “An activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote,” Jones said in a statement.
The case is expected to move quickly, with the Virginia Supreme Court likely to take up the appeal within days. The outcome could determine whether the new congressional map is implemented before upcoming elections.
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