As New Congressional Maps Are Released, Virginians for Fair Elections Launches First Ad of Campaign

Richmond, Va. —  As new congressional district maps were released ahead of the upcoming April 21st statewide referendums, Virginians for Fair Elections is launching its first television ad of the campaign, marking the start of a major paid effort to level the playing field in the 2026 midterm elections.

The ad, “America,” sounds the alarm on an unprecedented nationwide power grab to redraw congressional maps for partisan gain — often without transparency or voter approval — and highlights Virginia’s opportunity to take a different path.

Across the country, MAGA-controlled legislatures, directed by Donald Trump, are moving to manipulate congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. As states like Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio move forward with these efforts, Virginians face a real risk of having their voices diminished in Washington if they do nothing.

Today’s map release represents a temporary, emergency response to that national interference, while the ad launch signals that Virginians for Fair Elections is moving immediately to inform voters and mobilize support.

“In state after state, MAGA politicians are rushing to rig elections for their own advantage without voter approval,” said Keren Dongo, Campaign Manager for Virginians for Fair Elections. “Virginia is choosing a different path. This is a temporary, emergency measure to protect Virginians’ voices now and preserve independent redistricting in the future.”

Voting Yes for Fair Elections ensures that voters — not politicians or courts — have the final approval on congressional maps. The amendment expires in 2030, when Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission resumes full authority. Virginians for Fair Elections is moving immediately to ensure voters understand what’s at stake — and how Virginia can lead by example.

Click here to watch VAFE’s new ad, “America,” and read the full transcript below.

• VO: It’s happening nationwide. An unprecedented power grab. To rig elections and redraw congressional maps.
• VO: No matter what party you belong to, that’s wrong. It’s not what we do in America.
• VO: Now, Virginia can stop it. That’s why Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are voting Yes for Fair Elections.
• VO: Yes means voters have the final say on maps. A temporary, last-resort measure to restore fairness now — and protect independent redistricting in the future.
• VO: Vote Yes.

About Virginians for Fair Elections

Virginians for Fair Elections is the campaign advocating for a constitutional amendment to protect fair representation and ensure Virginia voters — not politicians — have the final say over congressional district maps. The amendment is a temporary, emergency exception designed to level the playing field for Virginia’s congressional elections, with the Commonwealth’s bipartisan redistricting commission resuming full authority after the 2030 census.