Virginia Special Election Tests Voter Response to Proposed Democratic Redistricting

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:04:00 +0200

Virginia is holding a critical special election to decide on a Democratic-backed redistricting plan that could dramatically reshape the state's congressional map. If approved, the plan could provide Democrats with a potential 10-to-1 advantage in House seats, translating into a net gain of up to four seats. Despite extensive campaigning and financial support, including involvement from former President Barack Obama and other national figures, the referendum is proving more competitive than anticipated. Tight polling and concerns over voter turnout in an atypical April election have led Democrats to prepare for a close outcome. Republicans, including former Governor Glenn Youngkin and former President Donald Trump, have campaigned strongly against the measure, framing it as partisan gerrymandering and appealing to Virginians' historical opposition to map manipulation. While Democrats have invested heavily in outreach and early voting, with over 1.3 million early ballots cast, questions