Virginia judge halts Democrats’ efforts for redistricting referendum in April

A Virginia judge has halted Democratic efforts to hold a referendum in April to redraw the commonwealth’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections.

Judge Jack Hurley of the Tazewell County Circuit Court ruled on Tuesday that the Democrat-led Virginia legislature failed to follow multiple procedures required to place the redistricting measure on the ballot. The ruling, which is almost certain to be appealed, is a significant victory for Virginia Republicans, who are attempting to stave off Democrats’ proposed redistricting measure that could wipe out up to four GOP-held congressional seats.

One of the main requirements the state legislature failed to satisfy was approving a ballot measure in two different sessions separated by state House elections. The legislature claimed it did so by passing the measure