Virginia Democrats appeal ruling blocking mid-decade redistricting plan

Democrats in Virginia quickly appealed a state court injunction blocking their plan to amend the state constitution to redraw the congressional map, a move that could have delivered up to four additional Democratic seats. Judge Jack S. Hurley Jr. ruled the special session used to advance the amendment exceeded its scope and that the constitution requires an intervening election after first passage, noting the bill was voted on after early voting began for 2025 races. Democrats call the ruling a product of court-shopping and say they will seek to place the amendment before voters in April if the appeal succeeds; the state Court of Appeals will hear the case. The injunction effectively nullifies the General Assembly’s Oct. 31, 2025 vote to amend the constitution.