Virginia voters approved a redistricting referendum Tuesday night, a closely watched measure that will enact a newly drawn congressional map favoring Democrats in 10 of the 11 districts. As of 9:15 p.m., the Yes campaign was winning by 2.5 points. The Associated Press called the race at 8:49 p.m.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger said voters “have spoken” in approving what she described as a temporary measure aimed at countering efforts by President Donald Trump to influence congressional mapmaking.
“Virginia voters have spoken, and tonight they approved a temporary measure to push back against a President who claims he is ‘entitled’ to more Republican seats in Congress. Virginians watched other states go along with those demands without voter input — and we refused to let that stand. We responded the right way: at the ballot box,” Spanberger said.
She added that she looks forward to supporting candidates in upcoming elections and reaffirmed her support for Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission after the 2030 census.
House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, called the outcome a rejection of Republican efforts to influence elections.
“Tonight, Virginians sent a message heard across this country: we will not let Donald Trump or MAGA Republicans rig our democracy,” Scott said.
“This started in Texas when Trump launched an unprecedented power grab to rig the midterms and tonight Virginia voters ended it and voted YES to stop his power grab.”
Scott added, “We trusted the voters, not politicians. We put this question on the ballot because we believe power belongs to the people. And tonight, the people of Virginia answered.”
Virginia House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, said the result was not unexpected but criticized the process.
“While these weren’t the results we were hoping for, they were not unexpected. From the start, this process was tilted: misleading ballot language and a massive spending advantage made this an uphill climb for voters trying to make sense of a deeply complicated issue,” Kilgore said.
Kilgore also pointed out that the Virginia Supreme Court will determine the legality of this amendment process in the coming weeks.
“But the ballot box was never the final word here,” Kilgore said. “Serious legal questions remain about both the wording of this referendum and the process used to put it before voters. Those questions have not been resolved, and they now move where they belong: to the courts.”
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said voters upheld foundational democratic principles.
“Tonight, Virginians did what Virginians have always done: they answered a question about the nature of our democracy, and they answered it in favor of the people.”
Surovell added, “Fairness won. Accountability won. And the Commonwealth that gave America its Constitution has once again reminded the nation what that Constitution is for.”
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee also praised the outcome.
“Tonight’s result is a victory for every American who wants fair representation in Congress, a massive rebuke of Donald Trump and Republicans’ efforts to rig the midterm elections, and a rejection of their cruel, cost-spiking, and corrupt agenda that is hurting hardworking families,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
Republicans, however, said the outcome reflects their campaign message that Virginia is not a Democratic state.
NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said, “Virginia Democrats can’t redraw reality. This close margin reinforces that Virginia is a purple state that shouldn’t be represented by a severe partisan gerrymander.”
Democratic candidates also responded following passage of the measure.
“When Donald Trump comes after our democracy, the Commonwealth of Virginia fights back,” said Dorothy McAuliffe, candidate for Virginia’s new 7th Congressional District. “This victory belongs to the voters and thousands of Virginians who knocked doors, made calls, and refused to back down. When we stand together and demand what’s fair, Virginia wins—and America wins.”
Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination in the new VA-07, praised the efforts put in to help pass this amendment.
“Virginians spoke loud and clear tonight: Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy will not go unanswered,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of my team and of the thousands of Virginians who knocked doors and made phone calls to make this victory happen.”
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor affirmed that she will continue her campaign for Congress in the new 5th District.
“I got into this race to protect the community that I love, and I’m proud to continue that mission by running in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District where I’ve lived for 30 years,” Taylor said.
And Tom Perriello confirmed that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination in the new VA-06.
“Folks around here can agree on one thing – we are paying way too much for gas, groceries and healthcare. It’s time to fire Congressmen like Ben Cline who jacked up costs to protect the corrupt,” said Perriello. “I’ve held hundreds of listening sessions across the Blue Ridge, and families deserve a representative who will fight to get costs down, paychecks up, and common sense back in the driver’s seat.”