Critics of a Virginia Democratic redistricting measure are taking aim at Governor Abigail Spanberger, accusing her of a “bait-and-switch” tactic with a promise that she has “no plans” to alter the state’s legislative maps ahead of an upcoming vote.
Former governors George Allen and Glenn Youngkin, along with various conservative leaders, are rallying against the proposal to replace Virginia’s current 6-5 Democratic map with a more extreme 10-1 version, which is backed by Senate President L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) and Spanberger.
“It’s quite the bait-and-switch,” remarked Rep. Michael Weybert, R-Fauquier. A recent report pointed out Spanberger’s promise to avoid supporting the very changes she now endorses. Weybert urged voters to “vote no,” noting his district’s proximity to Washington D.C. potentially offers him more political clout if the measure passes, contrasted against the rural areas he might lose representation in.
A coalition of liberal groups, funded by George Soros, is reportedly spending heavily on this redistricting initiative in Virginia.
Concerns about the implications of this shift are echoed by U.S. Rep. Ben Kline, a Republican whose district spans from Roanoke to Berryville near the Blue Ridge Mountains. He emphasized that his area risks losing a unified voice in Washington due to the division caused by the redistricting plan.
Kline claimed that Spanberger, a previous colleague on the House Agriculture Committee, has overlooked Virginia’s agricultural interests. “My district is the most agricultural in the state, yet it’s being split into five parts to boost Northern Virginia Democrats,” he explained, arguing that the referendum is particularly damaging to Virginia farmers.
In a different conversation, Kline mentioned how local residents could find their communities divided into “spaghetti bundles” that would dilute their representation. “We’re hopeful we can prevent the governor from overstepping,” he added.
While former President Obama has recently encouraged Virginians to support the redistricting initiative, Kline pointed out that Spanberger’s ad campaign promoting it has faced notable setbacks, reflecting her waning popularity.
Kline expressed his disbelief regarding Spanberger and the current situation, suggesting that voters feel misled. Meanwhile, the Vote YES campaign contested Kline’s portrayal, asserting they are engaged in a vigorous statewide effort aimed at halting Trump’s influence and leveling the playing field.
As for the competing candidates, Kline pushed back against Delegate Dan Helmer of Fairfax, who is also involved in the redistricting process, highlighting that Helmer’s comprehension of the region may be lacking, despite his ambition to campaign there.
Helmer, who has previously championed significant federal gun control laws, defended his candidacy, boasting accomplishments from his prior campaigns in rural communities. “My efforts have led to the defeat of several Republicans who can no longer harm Virginia families,” he stated confidently.
Several Democrats, including former first lady Dorothy McAuliffe and former aide JP Cooney, are also eyeing the elections, with only Rep. Morgan Griffith’s district expected to maintain its Republican status.
House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore is collaborating with Youngkin and others to push back against the proposed changes in Southern Virginia, noting recent early voting numbers reflect a strong turnout in the region. “We want to ensure rural Virginia is not overshadowed by Fairfax County influence,” he expressed.
As the referendum nears, Northern Neck Rep. Rob Wittman reiterated concerns that Spanberger’s assurances about redistricting lack substance, highlighting fears of losing representation in a “10-to-1” setup that could marginalize voices across the state.
Judge Jack Hurley has intervened, blocking the referendum until a state Supreme Court ruling is made, arguing that the term “fairness restoration” used in the ballot language is misleading and unconstitutional.
The state Supreme Court will soon consider whether to expedite the election, with input from both sides expected shortly. Efforts are ongoing to secure comments from Spanberger, Helmer, and Virginians for Fair Elections regarding the situation.
