The Virginia Supreme Court struck down a voter-approved constitutional amendment on Friday that would have allowed Democrats to redraw the state's congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

In a 4-3 decision, the court upheld a lower court ruling that Democrats failed to follow constitutional procedures when advancing the amendment. Justice D. Arthur Kelsey wrote for the majority that the legislature approved the measure after voting had begun in the 2025 House of Delegates elections, denying over 1.3 million Virginians a voice in the process as required by Article XII, Section 1 of the state constitution.

The amendment passed on April 21, 2026, with 51.69% approval, receiving 1,604,276 yes votes to 1,499,393 no votes out of more than 3 million cast. It would have implemented a new map drawn by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, projected to yield 10 Democratic seats and just one Republican seat in Virginia's 11-district delegation. The current map, drawn after the 2020 census by a bipartisan commission, provides Democrats a 6-5 advantage.

Republicans challenged the amendment on procedural grounds, arguing it bypassed requirements for legislative approval across two general elections. The court agreed, keeping the existing map in place for the 2026 midterms and delaying changes until after the 2030 census.

Republican leaders hailed the decision. State Sen. Ryan T. McDougle called it a constitutional victory where "every Virginian wins." House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore said it reaffirms that the state constitution "means what it says." Nationally, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: "Huge win for the Republican Party, and America, in Virginia." The National Republican Congressional Committee described the Democratic effort as a "corrupt scheme to rig the map."

Democrats decried the ruling. Attorney General Jay Jones said it put "politics over the rule of law" and overturned a free election, with his office reviewing options. House Speaker Don Scott emphasized that three million voters approved it in a "free and fair election." Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed disappointment but noted voters had spoken.

The decision comes amid national redistricting battles favoring Republicans in states like Texas and Florida. Preserving Virginia's current map bolsters GOP chances to maintain House control, as the state holds competitive districts like those of Reps. Jen Kiggans and Rob Wittman. Democrats had invested tens of millions, backed by figures like former President Barack Obama, to counter those shifts.