Virginia leaders appeal to Supreme Court over redistricting ruling
Virginia leaders have taken their fight over congressional redistricting to the U.S. Supreme Court. They filed an emergency application to pause a state court ruling that struck down the commonwealth’s congressional maps. The move aims to prevent disruption ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The state Supreme Court overturned congressional districts approved through Virginia’s constitutional amendment process. Voters had ratified these districts in a statewide referendum on 21 April. The ruling also invalidated an amendment allowing the General Assembly to adopt new maps.
House Speaker Don Scott, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, and the state of Virginia submitted the filing. It was directed to Chief Justice John Roberts in his role as Circuit Justice for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office defended the decision to seek emergency review. They argue the state court’s ruling misinterpreted federal election law. A stay, they claim, would reduce uncertainty for election officials preparing for upcoming deadlines, including absentee ballot mailing and ballot order finalisation tied to the 4 August congressional primaries. The state Supreme Court had not yet ruled on a separate motion to stay its own decision at the time of the filing. The emergency application seeks to maintain the current districts while the legal dispute continues. Without a stay, election preparations could face delays. Officials hope the Supreme Court will intervene before critical deadlines pass.
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