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Virginia Judge Halts Referendum Preparations as Democrats Pass New Congressional Map

A temporary order through March 18 now conflicts with the state high court’s go‑ahead, throwing the April 21 plan into doubt.

FILE - The state and U.S. flags fly over the Virginia State Capitol at the start of the 2024 session of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Richmond, USA - June 19, 2016: Exterior of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, the capital of Virginia, USA. A young man and a second man take photos of the main building. Other people in the background.
FILE - Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers her State of the Commonwealth address before a joint session of the Virignia General Assembly at the Capitol, Jan. 19, 2026, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
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Overview

  • Tazewell County Judge Jack Hurley Jr. granted a temporary restraining order that pauses all preparations for the redistricting referendum, including the March 6 start of early voting, until at least March 18.
  • The RNC, NRCC, and Reps. Ben Cline and Morgan Griffith sued to block the vote, arguing the amendment process lacked an intervening election, violates a 90‑day timing rule, and uses misleading ballot language.
  • The Supreme Court of Virginia earlier allowed the April 21 referendum to proceed during expedited review, creating conflicting directives as appeals and briefing continue.
  • Virginia Democrats moved their proposed congressional map through the General Assembly and sent it to Gov. Abigail Spanberger while they appealed Hurley’s rulings.
  • If voters approve the amendment and courts permit implementation, reporting projects Democrats could gain up to four U.S. House seats, potentially producing a 10–1 delegation advantage.