Virginia Democrats expect to release proposed new congressional map this week

[AverageOldGuy]

1. 10-1

Virginia has eleven seats in the House of Representatives; currently we are 6 - Dem, 5 - R.

Much of Virginia is red -- the rural counties (with very small populations) are a sea of red while Northern Virginia and the areas around Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Richmond, and Roanoke are blue. The blue areas have a LOT more population, thus, a LOT more voters are in blue areas than red areas. The way the state is districted now makes the 5 Republican seats safe.

Virginia Democrats have drawn a highly gerrymandered map that matches voting patterns that is 10 Dem - 1 Rep. They tried to get rid of the 1 Rep but SW Virginia is just too red. The map is gerrymandered all to hell to connect blue areas.

Republicans found a friendly local judge who ruled the state cannot redistrict. The Appellate Court had demurred, saying the case needs to go straight to the State Supreme Court. A statewide referendum is tentatively set for April 21. Supreme Court likely will take up the case next week.