RNC, GOP reps sue Virginia over redistricting special election process
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The Republican National Committee (RNC) and two GOP members of Congress sued Virginia election officials on Wednesday to block a push by Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map, arguing that a proposed constitutional amendment and upcoming special election violate the Virginia Constitution.
In the 48-page complaint filed in Tazewell County Circuit Court, the RNC, the National Republican Congressional Committee and Reps. Ben Cline and Morgan Griffith of Virginia argue that legislation passed by the Democrat-controlled General Assembly would allow lawmakers to temporarily take over congressional redistricting from the state’s voter-approved independent commission.
The lawsuit challenges House Bill 1384, which calls for a special election on April 21 for voters to decide whether to amend the Virginia Constitution to allow the General Assembly to temporarily redraw the state’s congressional districts to “restore fairness in upcoming elections.”
Early voting for the special election is scheduled to begin March 6.
LATINA CASE ASKS THE REPUBLICAN SUPREME COURT TO BLOCK DEMS’ PROPOSAL TO ‘RACISTLY GERRYMANDER’ IT OUTSIDE CONGRESS
The Virginia Senate met at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, on January 10, 2024, on the first day of the legislative session. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Plaintiffs argued that the measure at issue violated Title XII of the Virginia Constitution. They argue that it was not properly adopted by two separate General Assemblies, with an “intervening election” pursuant to Art.
Republicans also argue that the ballot language is misleading and that holding the special election 90 days after the amendment’s final passage violates constitutional timing requirements.
MIDTERWAY ELECTIONS: GOP’S REDISTRIBUTORY SETUP FAILURES FILED LAWSUITS IMMEDIATELY, GERMAN CLAIMS
Voters cast their ballots on the first day of early voting on September 19, 2025, at the Western Government Center in Henrico, Virginia. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty)
The lawsuit asks the court to block state officials from conducting special elections, delivering ballots or presenting the proposed amendment to voters on the grounds that they do not comply with the state constitutional amendment process.
Virginia Democrats’ redistricting push comes as other blue states follow mid-decade map changes in response to Republican-led states, including Texas, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
‘Crazy’ PARTY: STATE REP SAYS DEMS COMPLYES WITH MANY RESTRICTIONS DUE TO PRIMARY THREATS
A representative looks at the congressional redistricting map during a discussion of the congressional redistricting plan in the House Chamber at the Capitol on Aug. 20, 2025, in Austin. (Jay Janner/Austin American Statesman via Getty Images)
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California voters in November approved Proposition 50, a measure that could give Democrats the opportunity to win up to five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. accordingly Public Policy Institute of California.
