Virginia House Sets Four Constitutional Amendments in Play Ahead of 2026 Session

The Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee approved four proposed constitutional amendments—on abortion rights, voting rights restoration, marriage equality, and mid-decade redistricting—initiating the two-chamber, two-votes-required process that could lead to voter referenda. Democrats, who hold a strong House majority but a narrower Senate majority, face funding constraints and political risks as they pursue affordability goals. The controversial redistricting amendment has drawn GOP concerns about gerrymandering; leaders indicated maps and further steps, including dates for potential referenda and related budget adjustments, will unfold in coming weeks (with maps anticipated by Jan. 30 and candidate filing deadlines looming for June primaries).