House Democrats considered several candidates’ home location when crafting the new congressional maps — not just incumbents — according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
The home of Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, who told the New York Times that he recused himself from map-drawing discussions, was shown on the new district proposals as a “possible candidate” early in the process.
The Virginia House Democrats and the National Redistricting Democratic Committee crafted the maps.
Virginia Scope has viewed a picture of a proposal that was shown to members of Congress and the General Assembly before its release.
Other names listed on the map proposal, excluding incumbents, were Shannon Taylor, Tom Perriello, and Elaine Luria.
Sources with knowledge tell Virginia Scope that Helmer was a non-negotiable for House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth.
Scott’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday morning.
Helmer announced his run for the new Seventh Congressional District on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Helmer told Virginia Scope that he was not involved in the process of drawing maps and learned about the new districts at the same time as the public.
Sources also tell Virginia Scope that Helmer went to meet with United States House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Scott.
“As Campaigns Chair, Helmer met with dozens of stakeholders to build a campaign coalition that delivered the largest, most diverse, and most progressive democratic majority in Virginia history,” Helmer’s spokesperson said.
Virginia Scope reported earlier this month that a district was being drawn for Helmer and it caused tension with Senate Democrats.
Senate Republicans commented on the news of Helmer’s announcement during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
“It does not look good. It does not look good,” Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham, said.
The districts have not been finalized.
The Senate altered them slightly on Tuesday to make VA-02 slightly more friendly for Democrats. The General Assembly still needs to approve the final legislation before sending it to Gov. Abigail Spanberger to either sign, amend or veto.
The voters in Virginia then have to approve it in a referendum in April.