Virginia Democrats’ plans to try to counter President Donald Trump’s push for more Republicans in the House of Representatives were squashed Friday, when the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled that the results of last month’s voter referendum are null and void.
The court ruled 4-3 that Democratic leaders violated the intervening-election requirement in the state constitution. The ruling means that new congressional boundaries will not be drawn in the Old Dominion that would likely have created a 10-1 Democratic advantage. Instead, the current map, which produced a U.S. House delegation of six Democrats and five Republicans, will remain in place when voters go to the polls in November.
Soon after news of the ruling broke this morning, elected officials from both parties responded. Here are some of their thoughts:
State Sen. Bryce Reeves, a Republican whose 28th District includes part of Spotsylvania County, on X
“We Win, Dems Lose! Supremes choose the rule of law over politics. DNC out $110 mm. No midterm redistricting. Pound Sand @RepJeffries!”
Del. Phillip Scott, a Republican who represents parts of Spotsylvania and Orange counties, on Facebook
“I’m sure that you’ve already heard the Supreme Court of Virginia has issued an opinion over the redistricting amendment process, and they ruled that it was unconstitutional, did not follow the outline in the Virginia Constitution. I know that when I took office, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States of America. And the Supreme Court ruled that this was not constitutional in process, the entire legislative process unconstitutional. So the question that I have for you, the voters: How are you going to hold elected officials accountable, who supported something that has been determined to be unconstitutional?”
Rep. Eugene Vindman, a Democrat whose 7th District includes the Fredericksburg area
“Today’s decision is outrageous and unconscionable. More than three million Virginians made their voices heard at the ballot box. The margin for YES was unambiguous. Now, just like they did at the federal level, activist conservative judges overwhelmed the will of voters.
“At the heart of our democracy is the principle that the results of elections ought to be respected, and the Virginia Supreme Court today dealt our democracy a terrible blow. I strongly disagree with its decision. However, this partisan decision doesn’t change the fact that Americans are frustrated with Republican leadership and will vote for change this year.
“Representing Virginia’s Seventh District is the honor of my life. Serving the families, veterans, federal workers, small business owners, and communities of VA-07 is a responsibility I have never taken for granted. I look forward to maintaining their trust as I run for reelection this November to represent them in Congress.
“I remain as committed as ever to fighting to lower costs, strengthen our national security, protect our democracy, and deliver real results for the people I serve. I am excited to continue that work and to keep fighting for Virginians in the Seventh District every single day.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat
“Unlike Republican-led states that have redrawn their maps through backroom deals, the Virginia General Assembly let the people decide for themselves in a free and fair election. If the Virginia Supreme Court had legitimate concerns about this referendum, the time to stop it would have been before three million Virginians cast their ballots. But the Court let the process move forward, and Virginians sent a message loud and clear: We see President Trump’s brazen power grab in states across the country, and we won’t stand for it.
“The timing of this ruling speaks volumes. The U.S. Supreme Court eviscerates the Voting Rights Act in a lawsuit brought by a January 6 extremist and Southern states race to craft backroom deals disenfranchising minority voters and candidates. Meanwhile, Virginia voters choose to stand up against national disenfranchisement only to see their votes cast into the trash by a 4-3 ruling. A sad day indeed but I’m proud of Virginians’ willingness to stay true to our state’s motto after 250 years. That spirit is needed now more than ever.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat
“While I respect the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision, it’s impossible to ignore that more than three million Virginians already cast their ballots on the amendment and deserved to have their voices heard.
“Let’s be clear: This started because Republicans across the country decided to push mid-decade redistricting in states where they thought they could rig the map for partisan gain. Virginia’s effort was a response to that national power grab, not the cause of it.
“Donald Trump assumed he could tilt the playing field and lock in political advantage before a single ballot was cast. But Virginians are paying attention. They want leaders who will protect their rights, defend their freedoms, and actually focus on lowering costs and getting things done. Democrats will still show up this November, we will still compete everywhere and when the votes are counted, Virginians will send a strong message about the kind of leadership they want.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Democrat and former 7th District congresswoman
“More than three million Virginians cast their ballots in Virginia’s redistricting referendum, and the majority of Virginia voters voted to push back against a president who said he is ‘entitled’ to more Republican seats in Congress with a temporary and responsive referendum. They made their voices heard.
“I am disappointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling, but my focus as governor will be on ensuring that all voters have the information necessary to make their voices heard this November in the midterm elections because in those elections we — the voters — will have the final say.”
