A Virginia circuit court judge has blocked the certification of a redistricting referendum that passed with a narrow majority, halting Democratic efforts to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. The ruling, issued by Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley, declares all votes for and against the referendum ineffective and prevents state officials from certifying the results.
The referendum, which passed with 51.5% of the vote on April 21, would have shifted Virginia’s congressional delegation from a 6-5 split to a 10-1 Democratic advantage. Judge Hurley ruled that the referendum violated state laws, including a 90-day public notice requirement, and that the ballot language was misleading. The court also found procedural defects in the legislative process that led to the referendum.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, a Democrat, announced plans to immediately appeal the decision, stating that an 'activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote.' Republican officials, including former Governor Glenn Youngkin, celebrated the ruling, arguing that the referendum was unconstitutional and would disenfranchise voters. The Republican National Committee called the ruling a 'major victory for Virginians,' while former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli noted that multiple legal challenges to the referendum are still pending.
The case is expected to be appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court, where the outcome could further shape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections. The current congressional maps will remain in place as the legal battle continues.