NPR News: 05-08-2026 12PM EDT

Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled 4-3 to strike down a voter-approved referendum that would have let Democrats redraw the state’s congressional map. Republicans had sued, arguing the state legislature made procedural errors in placing the constitutional amendment question on the ballot. The decision preserves GOP-drawn maps, boosting their chances of holding U.S. congressional control in the midterms. It aligns with broader Republican redistricting advantages, especially in the South.

This ruling follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision weakening Voting Rights Act protections against racial discrimination in redistricting. In Tennessee, for example, a majority-Black district in Memphis lost protection and will now be split into three congressional districts. That shift makes all nine of Tennessee’s U.S. House seats lean more Republican. Reporter Mariana Bakayao noted these changes strengthen GOP efforts nationwide to maintain congressional majorities.

GOP Redistricting Wins

The Virginia Supreme Court’s 4-3 decision invalidated a voter-approved referendum allowing Democrats to redraw congressional districts, citing procedural errors by the state legislature in ballot placement. This preserves Republican maps, aiding their midterm strategy to retain U.S. congressional control, particularly through Southern redistricting.