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Former Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is pushing back against a newly approved redistricting referendum, calling it an “egregious power grab” despite its passage at the ballot box.
The measure, approved by voters Tuesday, gives the Virginia General Assembly temporary authority to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, a move that could significantly change the balance of power in the U.S. House.
Youngkin argued the close vote margin signals weak public support for a map he claims could heavily favor Democrats.
“Thank you to all the voters who turned out to vote against this egregious power grab. The race was much closer than the left expected because Virginians know a 10-1 map is not Virginia. I urge the Virginia Supreme Court to rule against this unconstitutional process that will disenfranchise millions of Virginians,” he posted to X.
The dispute now appears headed toward a court battle that could determine whether the new maps stand. The stakes extend well beyond Virginia. Analysts say the redrawn map could shift several seats toward Democrats, contributing to a narrow national advantage.
If current projections hold, Democrats could gain a slight edge in the broader redistricting fight, potentially picking up at least one additional seat nationwide. That shift could be enough to flip the closely divided House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority.
Recent vacancies have added further uncertainty. The resignations of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, along with other open seats, mean several districts remain in flux pending special elections.
With control of the House potentially hinging on just a handful of seats, Virginia’s redistricting fight is emerging as a key battleground, both politically and legally, in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
The move follows redistricting in other states, including Texas and California. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has also called a special session to consider redistricting that could help Republicans gain an advantage.
