Virginia Judge Voids Redistricting Vote, Preserves GOP Maps

Tazewell County Circuit Court Chief Judge Jack C. Hurley Jr. ruled Wednesday, April 22, 2026, that Virginia's redistricting referendum held on Tuesday, April 21, and the underlying bill were unconstitutional, issuing a permanent injunction against certification.[1][2][3] Hurley declared the process 'void ab initio,' meaning invalid from the start, for failing to follow required constitutional procedures and featuring misleading ballot language that implied opposing the measure would be 'unjust.'[3][5] The decision nullifies all votes cast, despite preliminary results showing narrow approval for the Democrat-drawn maps.[5] The lawsuit was filed by the Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, and two GOP lawmakers, who argued the amendment violated state law and would cause irreparable harm.[3][5] Current maps give Democrats a 6-5 edge in Virginia's congressional delegation; the new ones could shift it to 10-1, boosting their House control.[2] Former Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli hailed the ruling on X, predicting a final decision by May, while the court denied a stay pending appeal.[2] Democratic Attorney General Jay Jones, who defeated GOP incumbent Jason Miyares in November, immediately vowed to appeal to the Court of Appeals, calling Hurley an 'activist judge' overriding voters.[2][3][4] 'Virginia voters have spoken,' Jones said, defending the election outcome.[3] Multiple challenges to the referendum remain in Virginia courts.[2] The ruling preserves existing maps, drawn in 2021 by the Supreme Court of Virginia after the bipartisan Redistricting Commission failed, amid ongoing disputes over constitutionality.[1][6] Republicans frame the decision as upholding procedural fairness; Democrats decry it as thwarting democracy. As litigation escalates, Virginia's 11 House seats hang in the balance ahead of future elections.[2][5]