Court Invalidates Referendum
The Virginia Supreme Court blocked a new congressional map favored by Democrats, potentially costing them four House seats in the upcoming midterms. The 4-3 ruling invalidated the results of an April referendum narrowly approved by voters. The court found that the General Assembly did not follow proper constitutional procedure in approving the map.
Procedural Error Cited
The court determined that the legislature violated Article XII, Section 1 of the Virginia Constitution. The ruling stated that the constitutional violation "incurably taints" the referendum and renders it void. The court found the General Assembly voted on proposing the redistricting amendment to voters on October 31, after early voting had begun on September 19.
Impact on House Control
Democrats had hoped the redistricting would give them a 10-1 advantage in the state's U.S. House delegation. This was intended to counter Republican redistricting efforts in states like Texas. Democrats need a net gain of at least three House seats in November to flip the House majority.
Reactions to the Ruling
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones accused the court of putting "politics over the rule of law." House Speaker Don Scott stated, "We respect the decision of the Supreme Court of Virginia." Senator Mark Warner said, "Today, justice was not served in Virginia." President Trump celebrated the ruling as a "huge win for the Republican Party, and America, in Virginia." Representative Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said "four unelected judges decided to cast aside the will of the voters."
Legal Challenges and Costs
Democrats are seeking a stay on the ruling and plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The state spent $5.2 million on the special election, and outside groups raised nearly $100 million to sway voters.
Trump Tariffs Deemed Unlawful
In other court news, the Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump's 10% global tariffs are unlawful. The court concluded the Trump administration misread the law used to justify the tariffs. The Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal. The tariffs are set to expire in late July.
Definition Dispute
The dispute boiled down to the definition of "balance-of-payments deficits." The Court of International Trade rejected the Trump administration's argument that the term is the same as a "trade deficit." The court said that if the president can decide what counts as a "balance-of-payments deficit," he can always find one, essentially allowing the law to be triggered at any moment.
Broader Implications
While the Virginia ruling delivers a blow to Democratic efforts to control the House, Democrats like Representative Jennifer McClellan are "exploring all options" to turn the ruling around. The upcoming elections in November will take place under the current map, where Democrats represent six of the state’s 11 congressional districts.
For example, the sources report that the redistricting could have given Democrats an advantage in 10 House districts, leaving just one safe Republican seat.