The next front in the nation’s pitched battle over mid-decade congressional redistricting is opening in Virginia, where Democrats are planning the first step toward redrawing congressional maps, a move that could give their party two or three more seats.

The surprise development, which was announced by legislators Thursday, would make Virginia the second state, after California, in which Democrats try to counter a wave of Republican moves demanded by President Donald Trump to redistrict states to their advantage before the 2026 midterm elections. No other Democratic state has begun redistricting proceedings, while several Republican states have drawn new maps or are deliberating doing so.

Democrats now hold six of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats. Redistricting could deliver two or thre

See Full Page