Scott Statement on Virginia Supreme Court Decision on Redistricting Referendum

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement: 

“Two weeks ago, Virginia’s voters stood up to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans’ unprecedented attempt to redraw congressional maps in the middle of the decade in an effort to rig the midterms. And now the Virginia Supreme Court has overridden the will of Virginia’s voters with this unprecedented interpretation of the Virginia Constitution, preventing Virginia from responding to partisan and racially discriminatory gerrymandering all over the country. As Chief Justice Powell noted in her dissent, the majority relied on a convoluted interpretation of the law and definition of ‘election’ to overturn the clearly expressed will of Virginia’s voters. In fact, the majority spent significant time in their opinion describing what they thought the law ought to be instead of what it is. 

“This happens in the context of the U.S. Supreme Court repeatedly allowing partisan and racial gerrymandering. Just last week in the Louisiana v. Callais case, the Court destroyed what remained of the Voting Rights Act, making it easier for many states to silence the voices of African American communities. Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Missouri have already acted to eliminate many seats held by Black and Hispanic Members of Congress. Just yesterday, the Tennessee legislature approved a plan that eliminated a majority Black district in Memphis that had allowed Black voters to elect a candidate of their choice for over 50 years. And we expect further action in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. 

“Republican politicians across the country are trying to dilute voters’ voices, but we cannot allow that to happen. Ultimately, Virginia’s voters will have the final say on who represents them in Washington this fall.”