Republicans get boost with Virginia ruling, but keeping House still tough
By Sean Trende
Published on May 9, 2026.
The Supreme Court of Virginia has overturned a map that was intended to give Democrats 10 of the state's 11 seats in Congress, but it is expected to cost Democrats four seats. The original maps were drawn by special masters Dr. Bernie Grofman of UC Irvine and myself, after the state’s independent redistricting commission failed to produce a map in a timely fashion. However, this decision could help Republicans gain more seats in the House due to President Trump's low job approval and uncertainty over his party's control over the House. The ruling also allows Democrats to gain one seat and a decent chance of netting two, but still control the agenda. Despite new maps in Tennessee, Florida, and other states narrowing the gap for Republicans, the fight for the small number of toss-up seats that will decide the House will likely make it harder and more expensive.
Read Original Article