Legislators in Virginia have been called back to the Capitol this week for a special session focused on redistricting. The timing of the session, just days before the upcoming election, is considered unusual and has highlighted the partisan context of the current debate.
Delegate Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights) stated that “specific information is quite scarce,” but confirmed that lawmakers are meeting to discuss potential changes to legislative districts. He noted that while special sessions are not rare, holding one so close to an election is atypical.
At present, no specific bill has been introduced. According to Cherry, Delegate Rodney Willett (D-Henrico) is expected to sponsor the redistricting legislation, though no details or legislative language have yet been shared.
Cherry emphasized two main considerations as he awaits more information: “First, Virginians voted at the ballot box just five short years ago to effectively end partisan gerrymandering. Second, we must do what is best for Virginia and not base our decisions on what other states are or are not doing.”
He elaborated on the 2020 constitutional amendment passed by voters: “You will recall that in 2020, Virginia voters overwhelmingly adopted an amendment to the state constitution that effectively ended partisan gerrymandering in Virginia. In fact, every city and county in Virginia except one (Arlington County) voted to end partisan gerrymandering. The Redistricting Commission set up by the state constitution did a fair job at producing maps for both federal and state elections.”
The House of Delegates plans to reconvene at noon on Wednesday. Cherry indicated he would continue providing updates as more details become available.
If constituents have questions about the ongoing process, Cherry invited them to reach out for further information.
