The Daily Signal Virginia Power Play: Democrat Speaker Don Scott’s Push to Redraw Congressional Districts Explained
Oct 27, 2025
Tom Garrett, a Virginia state delegate and former U.S. representative, delves into the contentious push to redistrict Virginia's congressional districts. He highlights the recent Democratic effort, citing the complications of a 2020 bipartisan redistricting amendment. Garrett explains how even nonpartisan commissions can lead to gerrymandering, discusses the stakes of this redistricting for Democratic representation, and reveals legal reasons that make the move questionable under Virginia law. He also urges voters to flip a House seat to thwart these plans.
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Candidate Lost Despite Winning Most Of District
- Garrett recounts Juan Pablo Segura winning most of his district yet losing due to a gerrymandered panhandle near I-66.
- He uses this to argue that 'nonpartisan' maps can still produce partisan outcomes.
Redistricting Could Flip All The Marbles
- If Democrats succeed, Virginia could shift to as many as 10 Democratic U.S. House seats and one Republican seat.
- Tom Garrett warns that redistricting could create supermajorities that override vetoes and remake state power.
Court Rulings Make Aggressive Maps Easier
- Recent Supreme Court rulings removing some Voting Rights Act constraints further loosen boundaries on how maps can be drawn.
- Garrett contends this legal shift makes unchecked partisan redistricting likelier.