Virginia’s redistricting referendum no slam dunk for Democrats, despite millions spent

[Timber Rattler]

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/apr/17/virginias-redistricting-referendum-no-slam-dunk-democrats-despite/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRUMo5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExeUhydVpIRXhHZjN1R0h3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhx6zSQG00bGN6HeWw76fsI-mztR0FXh9WW6ogFj_ARyXOq11Utfe1i2iVhz_aem_d_0g7iR-4Kx2siF53T-LZg

Virginia’s redistricting brawl, which will culminate in a special election Tuesday, remains a cliffhanger despite Democrats outspending Republicans by tens of millions of dollars in support of the referendum.

Polling and a tally of early and mail-in voting show a closely divided electorate when it comes to support for redrawing the state’s congressional lines in favor of Democrats.

Republican district turnout reached 565,062 votes as of Thursday, more than the 534,586 in Democratic-leaning districts.

Both parties have poured tens of millions of dollars into advertising before the special election, but Democrats have far outspent Republicans as they seek voter approval to carve out additional seats that could help their party win the U.S. House majority in the November midterm elections.

Analytics firm AdImpact said proponents, funded mostly by dark-money groups that aren’t required to disclose donors, spent $50.5 million on advertising in favor of redistricting.

Advertising against redistricting, some of it funded by dark-money groups, totaled $19.6 million.

AdImpact officials said the $70.1 million in ad spending makes the referendum the third-most-expensive nonpresidential contest in Virginia history.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both parties.

EXCERPT

Funded by dark money from outside the Commonwealth

[ScottinVA]

The best response to democrats’ lie about “fairness” is that the dems have held a blood rage against rural voters ever since they helped elect Youngkin in 2021 and Trump in 2024.  They see this referendum not as “fairness,” but as a golden opportunity to silence the votes and voices of those from conservative rural counties forevermore.

[Wingnut]

The best response to democrats’ lie about “fairness” is that the dems have held a blood rage against rural voters ever since they helped elect Youngkin in 2021 and Trump in 2024.  They see this referendum not as “fairness,” but as a golden opportunity to silence the votes and voices of those from conservative rural counties forevermore.

Dems always hate on the rubes out in the sticks.  They think they are brighter, more enlightened and better equipped to lead.