Virginia Democrats are preparing to initiate a special legislative session aimed at redrawing U.S. House districts to increase their seats ahead of the 2026 elections, countering Republican efforts and President Trump's push for partisan gerrymandering.

This effort involves proposing a constitutional amendment that would bypass Virginia's usual bipartisan commission process, requiring a special election and gubernatorial approval, with potential for immediate effect if identical resolutions are passed in 2026.

Virginia's constitutionally mandated redistricting process demands bipartisan support and voter approval, making this legislative move both politically and procedurally complex.

Other states like California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas are also undergoing redistricting, with some maps approved without voter approval and others facing legal challenges, highlighting nationwide partisan tensions.

Redistricting efforts in Virginia could influence the outcome of the governor's race, where Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, although recent polls show her with a comfortable lead and no plans to redraw district lines.

The controversy around redistricting is intensified by accusations from Republicans, including Earle Sears' campaign criticizing Democrat Spanberger for allegedly supporting redistricting efforts despite her public stance.

Virginia's political landscape has been shifting, with recent elections swinging between Republican and Democratic control, and the state experiencing a trend toward Democrats due to expanding D.C. suburbs.

Supporters of the redistricting move, including Democratic groups, see it as a strategic response to partisan gerrymandering, with some calling for all states to follow California's example in redistricting reform.

If the legislature passes a resolution in 2025 identical to one enacted in 2026, it could take effect immediately without the governor's signature, though a constitutional amendment would still require a special election and gubernatorial approval.

The proposed legislative measures might circumvent Virginia's redistricting commission, requiring approval from both legislative chambers and possibly a referendum, depending on the timing.

Virginia currently uses a bipartisan commission for redistricting, but efforts are underway to change this process, which could significantly impact the 2026 congressional races.

North Carolina recently passed a Trump-backed congressional map that favors Republicans and diminishes Black voters' influence, exemplifying the partisan tensions surrounding redistricting nationwide.

Virginia's redistricting efforts are part of a broader national debate over gerrymandering, with the Supreme Court upholding partisan gerrymandering in 2019 and states exploring reforms to prevent electoral manipulation.