Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Voter-Approved Redistricting Maps

Former Vice President Kamala Harris accused President Donald Trump and Republicans of trying to rig the 2026 elections after the Virginia Supreme Court invalidated a voter-approved redistricting referendum. She said the ruling would give a boost to that effort.

"Today, the Virginia Supreme Court ignored the will of the people and overturned those democratically chosen maps," Harris wrote on X on May 8. "This ruling gives a boost to Donald Trump's effort to rig the 2026 elections and the Republicans' long game to attack voting rights."

The court ruled that the legislative process for the proposal violated Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia. "This constitutional violation incurably taints the resulting referendum vote and nullifies its legal efficacy," the decision stated.

The measure passed by a 51% to 49% margin. It would have shifted redistricting authority from Virginia's nonpartisan commission to the Democrat-controlled legislature through 2030. That change was expected to produce a 10-1 Democratic advantage in the state's congressional delegation.

The ruling delivered a significant victory for Republicans before the 2026 midterms and heightened the national fight over redistricting and Congress control.

Trump praised the decision on Truth Social. "Huge win for the Republican Party, and America, in Virginia," he wrote. "The Virginia Supreme Court has just struck down the Democrats’ horrible gerrymander."

Democrats condemned the ruling. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said a group of unelected judges on the Virginia Supreme Court chose to put partisan politics over the will of the people.

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said the decision silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots. His office is evaluating every legal pathway forward.

Harris wrote that people are rightfully outraged but will not give up. "We must continue our fight to restore the power of the people."

Her comments came as she increased attacks on Trump amid questions about her political future. At a recent event in Las Vegas, Harris said, "For far too many people in our country, the American dream is not real. And in fact, for many people in their lived experience, it's what they would consider an American myth."

She added, "I’m not going to dismiss him as being an idiot. He’s dangerous."

Top Democrats avoided committing to Harris as the 2028 leader. "I have no idea," Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told Fox News Digital.

"I have no idea who's running, and we'll focus on 2028 after 2026," Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., said.

Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., said the decision rests with Harris. He believes Democrats should have a wide-open Democratic primary.

The Virginia ruling stands as the latest clash in the broader redistricting battle before the 2026 midterms. Harris signaled she plans to stay involved.

"I firmly and strongly believe that when you feel powerless, you are powerless," she said. "And when you feel powerful, you are powerful. And we are powerful and we are powerful. And so let's just show ourselves, each other, our power around the midterms and every day."