President Donald Trump urged Virginia voters to reject a high-stakes redistricting referendum during a tele-rally Monday, telling supporters to “just vote no” on a measure that could reshape the state’s congressional map and influence control of the U.S. House.
Trump joined House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in the virtual rally on the eve of the April 21 vote, framing the Democrat-backed proposal as a partisan power grab and warning it would undermine fair representation in Washington, D.C.
“It’s the liberal extremist Gov. Abigail Spanberger, too bad, and the far-left Democrats in Richmond after Spanberger promised Virginia voters that she would never do this,” Trump said on the call. “And if it passes, Virginia Democrats will eliminate four out of five congressional seats, so you’re going to get just wiped out in terms of representation in Washington. That’s what it’s all about.”
“It’s very simple,” he added. “Just vote no.”
Trump’s involvement underscores the national stakes of the referendum, which has drawn tens of millions of dollars in outside spending and attention from both parties.
The measure would temporarily allow Virginia’s legislature to redraw congressional districts ahead of the next census, shifting authority away from the bipartisan redistricting commission voters approved in 2020.
If approved, a new map already passed by Democratic lawmakers would take effect for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
The proposed map could give Democrats an advantage in as many as 10 of the state’s 11 congressional districts, up from their current 6-5 edge, possibly helping the party flip control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections.
Supporters, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and former President Barack Obama, argue the move is necessary to counter aggressive redistricting in Republican-led states and ensure fair representation.
Opponents, including Trump and former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, say it amounts to partisan gerrymandering that would dilute rural and conservative voters’ influence.
The referendum has become one of the most expensive ballot fights in Virginia history, with roughly $93 million spent, much of it from groups that do not disclose donors.
Polling suggests a tight race, with surveys showing the measure passing by only a few percentage points or within the margin of error.
VIRGINIA REPUBLICANS TURNING OUT TO VOTE ON REDISTRICTING AT HIGHER RATE THAN IN 2025
Legal challenges have also shadowed the effort. Courts initially backed the amendment before allowing it to proceed, with additional litigation expected regardless of the outcome.
Polls will be open on April 21 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for voters to decide on the referendum.
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