Va. Supreme Court denies motion to stay lower court order blocking certification on redistricting vote

The Virginia Supreme Court denied a motion filed by Democrat Attorney General Jay Jones 

 

asking for an emergency stay on a lower court’s order that blocks the certification of results from the recent redistricting special election in the state.

On April 21^st, Virginia voters narrowly approved a Constitutional amendment allowing Democrat legislators to redraw congressional district maps ahead of the midterm elections, with the measure passing in a 51%-49% vote.

 

The proposed map seeks to eliminate four out of the five Republican-held seats, giving Democrats 10 out of the 11 Virginia congressional districts.

According to court documents, Judge Jack Hurley of the Tazewell County Circuit Court, on April 22^nd, placed an injunction on the certification of results of the election as well as any actions that would give effect to the proposed amendment — ruling that the amendment process was unconstitutional.

 

That same day, Jones posted a statement to X about the court’s decision.

“My office will immediately file an appeal in the Court of Appeals. As I said last night, Virginia voters have spoken, and an activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote. We look forward to defending the outcome of last night’s election in court,” the attorney general said.

The Virginia Supreme Court officially denied the motion for a stay on Tuesday, just days after it was filed on Friday, effectively maintaining the current block on redistricting certification.

This decision is part of a complex legal landscape, as the court also heard oral arguments this past Monday for a separate challenge regarding the special election.

According to reports, a final decision on that specific case is still pending, leaving the ultimate legality of the special election and the amendment process unresolved.

 

These legal battles in Virginia are unfolding against a broader national backdrop of redistricting efforts, most notably in Florida, where Republicans are moving to secure an additional four seats. As both parties maneuver for every possible advantage, these state-level outcomes will play a major role in the fight for control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections.