Virginia GOP Criticizes Democrats Over Redistricting Debacle
Virginia Republicans have sharply criticized both national and state Democrats for what they describe as “insane” strategies aimed at overturning a recent Virginia Supreme Court ruling on redistricting. This backlash was particularly directed at a settlement involving House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other national Democratic figures.
A report by the New York Times highlighted a meeting between the National Democratic Party and local Virginia Democrats, discussing ways to reinstate a controversial 10-1 redistricting map, which has been blocked. This sparked significant criticism from Republican lawmakers.
“It’s just crazy—my thoughts exactly—because removing a judge who made a proper ruling seems irrational,” stated Virginia House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore. “Many Virginians will see through this. Plus, it’s too late to change things legally with the May 12 primary deadline looming.”
According to the report, Jeffries was part of discussions that ranged from lowering the retirement age for state judges to rehearing particular cases, potentially in favorable courts for Democrats. One example cited was Judge Jack Hurley’s decision regarding a rezoning referendum in Tazewell that the state’s Court of Appeals allowed to proceed. Now, Democrats are considering using arguments from this case to challenge a 2020 referendum that set up an independent redistricting commission, which they attempted to circumvent.
“This illustrates just how power-hungry Hakeem Jeffries and his fellow Democrats are. I’m relieved that the Supreme Court adhered to the law. It’s encouraging for Virginia,” Kilgore added.
Meanwhile, Democrats have opposed these developments. Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell announced that he had requested emergency relief from the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing that this action was supported by him, House Speaker Don Scott, and Senate President Pro Tem L. Louise Lucas.
Critics attached to the lawsuit pointed out how hastily it was filed, with numerous visible typos on the first page. Ironically, while the case was presented to SCOTUS, the document mistakenly referred to filing in the “Supreme Court of the State of Virginia.”
The original plaintiff, Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, has drawn ridicule for a gaffe that humorously inspired social media memes. After the initial ruling, Scott claimed he felt “respected,” adding that the close vote highlighted a desire among Virginians to “fight back” against perceived threats to democracy.
Rep. Ben Kline expressed support for Kilgore’s statements, asserting that national Democrats are “furious” about the ruling and urging Virginians to engage politically to challenge what he characterized as illegal attempts by Democrats to redraw electoral maps.
Kilgore dismissed the notion of using the Tazewell case to dissolve the redistricting commission as “grasping at straws,” pointing out that the commission creates state legislative districts without any objections.
In the broader context of this redistricting battle, lawmakers from West Virginia have proposed allowing conservative rural communities in Virginia to secede, reminiscent of West Virginia’s own history. Kilgore’s district, which includes significant mountainous areas, was specifically mentioned in this context.
“That feels a bit premature,” Kilgore said. “I’ve taken an oath to uphold the Virginia Constitution, and I’m committed to staying and improving Virginia.” He expressed optimism about the close voting trends indicating that Virginia remains a swing state. “I believe we can reclaim Virginia, as shown by the narrow votes. Virginians are definitely engaged, and it’s a closely divided state.”
Kilgore anticipates a strong backlash from voters against the Republicans, given the strange antics this year. This could lead to shifts in the balance of power just as President Trump aims to reconvene the House in November.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Jeffries for comment.
