Redistricting Debate in Virginia
On Sunday, during an appearance on “Face the Nation,” Margaret Brennan questioned Eric Holder about a redistricting initiative in Virginia supported by Democrats, asking whether it might be seen as a partisan “pile-up.” Holder, former Attorney General under Barack Obama, defended the proposal as necessary in light of Republican gerrymandering practices.
Brennan pressed further, wondering how the referendum would ensure that these new maps wouldn’t lead to ongoing redistricting issues. “Isn’t it just stacking the deck?” she inquired. In response, Holder, who leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, framed the effort as part of a larger battle against Republican advantages in states like Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri.
“This is truly a national battle. It’s not just about Virginia,” he stated, asserting that what states like Virginia and California are attempting is merely a reaction to Republican moves, particularly in Texas.
Brennan highlighted Virginia’s existing bipartisan redistricting commission, questioning why there was a need to alter what’s already in place. “In Virginia, there was already a bipartisan commission established to do these things… That sounds fair,” she noted. Holder responded by indicating that the current proposal is not permanent and hinges on voter approval, stating, “The measure itself states that it is time-limited.” He explained that adjustments might only occur in subsequent election cycles or after a census.
The conversation continued, with Brennan underscoring the historical trends that could be unfavorable for the Democratic Party, leading her to wonder whether this initiative signaled a lack of confidence among Democrats. “Why do Democrats need to do this? It sounds like they’re admitting that they can’t win on their own,” she argued.
Holder countered this perspective, claiming that Democrats could win if given a fair contest. “Trying to flip seats in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri is not going to be a fair fight nationally,” he remarked. Brennan also recalled Holder’s earlier criticisms of partisan gerrymandering and how it can create a government that doesn’t reflect voter preferences.
As the discussion unfolded, criticisms emerged regarding potential impacts on black political representation in Virginia through the proposed maps. Brennan raised concerns over whether this proposal would diminish black political power, leading to Holder’s firm denial of such assertions. “That’s completely false,” he stated, adding, “Do you think two more years of unchecked Trump administration is in the best interest of African Americans in this country? No.”
Holder expressed hope for federal legislation aimed at completely abolishing partisan gerrymandering in the future.
