Virginia court rules in favor of Democrats in redistricting case

A Virginia court ruled in favor of the Democrats in a case concerning the Old Dominion’s congressional lines on Sunday, denying a last-minute Republican effort challenging Democrats’ redistricting referendum and the composition of the new House map passed by voters.  

Richmond Circuit Court Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland denied a request by the Republican National Committee (RNC), Virginia GOP and others to block the results of a redistricting referendum held last week, when voters narrowly passed a set of congressional lines that gives Democrats four additional pickup opportunities in November. 

The Virginia congressional delegation currently has a 6-5 Democratic edge, but the new map would give the party a 10-1 edge in November. 

“…[T]his Court knows its role is clear. It is not to assess the wisdom of public policy nor to engage in policy making from the bench,” Thorne-Begland wrote. “Instead, it is to decide if those with whom we have entrusted power have exercised that power in conformance with their constitutional mandate. On this question, the Court’s answer is in the affirmative.” 

The case has major implications for the November midterms as both parties........

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