Just six days ago, the Virginia Supreme Court said that Virginia “can hold its special election on the redistricting plan” on April 21. But of course, Republicans were never going to give up that easily; so yesterday, “The Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, and two Republican congressmen jointly filed a lawsuit…in the Circuit Court of Tazewell County challenging Virginia Democrats’ 2026 redistricting ballot initiative law as deceptively worded, unconstitutional, and in violation of state code.” That Circuit Court judge (a former Republican candidate for House of Delegates, appointed to the court by Gov. Bob McDonnell on August 10, 2012), of course, was the one who ruled on January 27 against Democrats’ attempts to do a mid-decade redistricting of Virginia this year.
So now, in the latest twist – even as early voting is set to start in just over two weeks – according to former Del. Tim Anderson (R), “Sources in Tazewell have advised me the referendum for redistricting has been enjoined.” I’m awaiting further details, including whether the injunction is just for Tazewell or statewide…will share as I get them. But I’m assuming that, one way or the other, this will be headed back to the VA Supreme Court very soon.
UPDATE 2:21 pm – Sam Shirazi writes, “Lower court judge once again rules for GOP on Virginia redistricting This was somewhat expected given his previous ruling Still waiting for official opinion, but imagine has direct order regarding referendum Ultimately Virginia Supreme Court will make final call”
