WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court of Virginia today confirmed that Virginia’s redistricting referendum will proceed as scheduled on April 21, 2026. In its order accepting expedited review of Nardo, et al. v. McDougle, et al., the Court found that given the “limited scope” of the Tazewell County Circuit Court’s injunction, its ruling “has no effect on the referendum scheduled for April 21, 2026.” Elias Law Group is proud to represent House Speaker Don Scott, who intervened in this case to defend the General Assembly’s effort to put a redistricting referendum on the ballot.
The case arises from a lawsuit filed by Republican state legislators seeking to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Virginia’s General Assembly to redraw congressional maps in response to partisan gerrymandering by Republican-led states. On January 27, 2026, a Tazewell County Circuit Court judge ruled that the amendment was improperly advanced. Elias Law Group attorneys immediately appealed on behalf of Speaker Scott, and the Court of Appeals referred the case directly to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
The Supreme Court of Virginia made clear today that the lower court order does not prevent the April 21 referendum from moving forward, ensuring that Virginians will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed constitutional amendment this spring.
“The Virginia Supreme Court’s decision today is a win for democracy and for Virginia voters,” said Elias Law Group partner Aria Branch. “Republicans tried to prevent Virginians from having a say in how their congressional districts are drawn. Today, the Court soundly rejected that effort. The April 21 referendum will move forward, and Virginians will have a chance to decide whether to fight back against the partisan gerrymandering that President Trump has directed in Republican-controlled states across the country.”
Virginia’s redistricting effort is part of the nationwide fight for fair maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. At President Trump’s direction, several Republican-controlled legislatures have redrawn or are in the process of redrawing their congressional maps to maximize partisan advantage. Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendment would empower the General Assembly to respond to those efforts and ensure fair representation for Virginia voters.
Click HERE to read the full order.
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