Virginia Democratic lawmakers are advancing plans to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, leveraging procedural loopholes to bypass Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s authority. House Speaker Don Scott announced the reopening of a special legislative session originally convened in May 2024 but never formally concluded, citing statutory provisions to address “ongoing business.”

The effort comes as Republican-led states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have enacted maps favoring the GOP under former President Donald Trump’s influence. Virginia Democrats aim to adjust boundaries to potentially shift three seats from Republican to Democratic control, creating a 9-2 majority in the state’s congressional delegation. While no official announcement has been made, Republican legislators and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee confirmed redistricting is on the agenda.

State law requires a constitutional amendment to alter Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting process, necessitating two legislative approvals separated by an election. Democrats face challenges in accelerating the timeline for the 2026 midterms. Current congressional districts in Northern and Central Virginia, including the 1st District held by Republican Rob Wittman, feature closely contested races.

The move marks Virginia as the second state, after California, where Democrats are countering efforts to reshape electoral maps in favor of Republicans. The U.S. House currently has 219 Republicans and 213 Democrats.