Judge blocks Virginia lawmakers' bid for pro-Democratic electoral map

A Virginia judge on Tuesday blocked a bid by state Democrats to enact a more pro-Democratic electoral map, dealing a setback to the party ahead of upcoming congressional elections.



The ruling by Judge Jack Hurley, Jr. comes amid a nationwide battle over redistricting between Republicans and Democrats before November's midterm elections, ⁠when control of the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives will be at stake.



Democrats need to flip only three Republican-held districts to win a majority in the 435-seat U.S. House, making every seat critical.



Don Scott, the Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, ⁠said that the party would appeal the ruling.



Virginia's Democratic-controlled legislature earlier this month approved a constitutional amendment that, if backed by voters, would permit lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional lines, potentially netting Democrats up to four U.S. House seats.