Virginia Democrats took a major step on Friday toward redrawing the state’s congressional map ahead of next year’s midterm elections—a high-stakes move with national implications.

The state Senate passed a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to redraw districts before the end of the decade—but under limited circumstances and only until Oct. 31, 2030. The House of Delegates approved the measure earlier this week.

The plan would let Democrats sidestep the bipartisan redistricting commission that voters approved in 2020, a panel designed to keep mapmaking nonpartisan. To take effect, the amendment must pass the legislature twice, with an election in between, and then win final approval from voters. Lawmakers hope to complete that process early next year, in time for the 2026

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