Virginia Democrats passed a new congressional map favoring Democrats, pending court approval and a voter referendum.

Virginia Democrats passed a new congressional map in February 2026 that could shift four U.S. House seats, pending court approval and a voter referendum. The map, designed to favor Democrats, especially in northern Virginia, faces legal challenges, including a temporary restraining order blocking the referendum over procedural concerns. Democrats are appealing the ruling and hope to hold the vote by April 21, with early voting set to begin March 6. If approved, the new districts would take effect for the 2026 elections and revert to the standard process after the 2030 census. The move is part of a broader national redistricting battle, with Republicans criticizing the map as a partisan gerrymander that marginalizes rural areas. Governor Abigail Spanberger supports the referendum, and several Democratic candidates have launched campaigns in newly configured districts.