Why Is Virginia’s Redistricting Referendum on Pause?
2nd March 2026
A fight over Virginia’s congressional maps is heating up, with Republicans and Democrats locked in a legal battle that could reshape the state’s representation in Washington.
Virginia voters were originally scheduled to head to the polls on April 21 to decide on a referendum on new congressional maps as the state’s Supreme Court reviewed a legal challenge. The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the General Assembly to redraw districts before the 2026 midterm elections.
Republicans, including House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, sued to block the vote, arguing Democrats did not follow proper procedures. A lower court initially sided with Republicans, but the state’s high court ruled the referendum could proceed while legal arguments continued.
A Tazewell County judge has since issued a temporary restraining order blocking the April 21 referendum, pausing the vote as litigation continues.