Redistricting efforts by Virginia Democrats hit a serious snag on Tuesday when Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley ruled against a proposed constitutional amendment the Democratic-majority General Assembly approved last year.

The amendment — initially set to make its way to voters in April — would have redrawn the congressional map in the commonwealth to favor Democrats more heavily ahead of the 2026 election if Virginians passed it.

Hurley’s ruling argued, in part, that Democratic lawmakers “failed to comply with a state law requiring proposed constitutional amendments to be publicly posted and published ahead of the next election,” according to Fox News.

“Therefore, the Court FINDS that following the October 31, 2025 vote and passage of House Joint Resolution 6007 there HAS NOT BEEN an ensuing general election of the House of Delegates, and such ensuing general election CANNOT occur until 2027,” the ruling stated.

“Thus, the action of the General Assembly during its Regular Session 2026 CANNOT meet the second passage required of Article XII, Section 1 of the Virginia Constitution, which second passage must occur before the same can be submitted to the voters of Virginia for adoption,” Hurley’s ruling added.

Democrats in the General Assembly vow to continue the redistricting battle, as several other states, including Texas and California, have made mid-decade redistricting moves.

“We always knew this would be a fight— because this has never been about what’s easy. It’s about what’s right: leveling the playing field and protecting the right to vote,” House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott posted to X. “Today’s ruling won’t deter us. Republicans who can’t win at the ballot box are abusing the courts to sow confusion and block Virginians from voting. We will appeal immediately, and we expect to prevail. Voters—not politicians—will have the final say.”

A statement from Democratic leadership, including Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, also accused Republicans of “court-shopping,” as the ruling came from deeply Republican Tazewell County, according to ABC 8 News.

Republicans applauded the ruling, with some arguing that maps would limit representation for people in rural parts of the state.

“Today’s court ruling is a major win for fair representation for rural Virginians,” Delegate Tony Wilt posted to social media. “The Circuit Court found Democrats’ attempt to revive partisan gerrymandering wasn’t lawfully passed on multiple counts. This is an important step in stopping a partisan power grab.”

The race for the House of Representatives will likely continue to intensify nationwide in both the courts and on the campaign trail, as Republicans currently hold a narrow 218-213 majority, with four seats currently empty. Currently, the Cook Political Report has three Virginia seats it considers to be more competitive — the First Congressional District is rated “Lean Republican,” the Second Congressional District is rated a “toss-up,” and the Seventh District is rated “Lean Democrat.”