Virginia Supreme Court weighs redistricting challenge

Added: 2026-04-28

[00:00:00]much oral arguments begin today in Virginia as a redistricting battle lands in the state Supreme Court. All right, let's get to Stephanie Romero. She's standing by in the news room with the latest for us. Good morning, Steve and Marisa. We know this is a battle of national proportion that could possibly change the political balance of the US House depending on the outcome. This is a Republican challenge to Virginia's new congressional map approved by voters last week. Legal challenges were expected, multiple already filed before the election day. The referendum vote narrowly passed last Tuesday. Republican challengers argue that the Democratic-led process violated Virginia's constitutional requirements for amendments. They claim a proposed amendment actually has to be approved by two separate general assemblies with a statewide election in between. Virginia Republican lawmaker Wren Williams spoke with Fox Digital claiming the court has already set Republicans up with relief and he says there are previous cases that support the challenges. Virginia Democratic Attorney General Jay Jones is handling the emergency repeal. Jones previously speaking with Fox 5.

[00:01:01]All I'll say is that Virginia did not start this. It obviously started in other parts of the the country. But we are a very proud state and we, you know, are the birthplace of American democracy. And I value the right to vote as one of those sacred rights that we are endowed with. I sit across the dinner free table from people who were denied the right to vote just because of the color of their skin. And so, you know, for us to have the opportunity to go participate, to make our voices heard about our representation in Washington, I think it's really important.

[00:01:30]And at the heart of this, we know guys is four additional US House seats Virginia Democrats could possibly add ahead of the November midterm elections if the state Supreme Court sides with the referendum outcome. Florida is the next state to enter the redistricting battle. A special session begins there tomorrow, Steve. All right, Steph.

[00:01:48]Thanks very much. And coming up