Virginia Democrats unveiled a proposed congressional map on Thursday that aims to reshape the state’s representation in the House. If enacted, the map could result in a 4-seat gain for Democrats, potentially leading to a delegation of 10 Democrats and 1 Republican, beginning with the 2026 elections.
The Stakes of Redistricting in Virginia
The proposal comes after the Virginia state legislature, controlled by Democrats, initiated a process to amend the state constitution and allow for a fresh congressional map. Voters will decide whether to approve this change in a special statewide election on April 21. However, the map’s future is not certain, as it faces an ongoing legal challenge questioning the procedures followed by Virginia Democrats.
Currently, Virginia’s congressional delegation consists of 6 Democrats and 5 Republicans. The existing map features four safely Democratic districts, two safely Republican districts, and several competitive seats. Representative Jen Kiggans (R) currently holds the competitive VA-2, which backed Joe Biden by 2 points in 2020 and Trump by a couple tenths of a point in 2024.
How the Proposed Map Changes the Landscape
The proposed map aims to create a more favorable environment for Democrats. Under the new map, eight of the eleven districts would have voted for President Kamala Harris in 2024. While Democrats are favored to win the referendum allowing them to enact the map, a victory is not guaranteed.
Under the proposed map, VA-9 would remain the only safe Republican district. A new, battleground district—VA-6—would emerge, encompassing college towns and rural areas with a slight Democratic lean. Representative Kiggans’s VA-2 would remain a competitive swing seat, and a rematch with former Rep. Elaine Luria (D) is possible.
The proposed map also impacts other districts, potentially creating opportunities for Democrats in areas currently held by Republicans. However, the map’s ultimate impact will depend on the political climate in 2026, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “baconmandering”?
According to the source, “baconmandering” refers to the practice of Democrats cutting up the heavily Democratic region of Northern Virginia into narrow strips that extend out to much of the rest of the state.
What is the status of the legal challenge to the proposed map?
There is an ongoing legal dispute over whether Virginia Democrats followed the proper procedures for setting up the vote on the map. A lower court judge ruled against them, and an appeal is headed to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
How many seats could Democrats potentially gain with this map?
The proposed map could result in a 4-seat net gain for Democrats, potentially leading to a delegation of 10 Democrats and 1 Republican.
Given the potential for legal challenges and shifting political landscapes, what factors will ultimately determine the composition of Virginia’s congressional delegation in the years to come?
