Virginia voters will pick their nominees Tuesday for this year's congressional midterm elections, capping a primary season marked by upheaval thanks to Democrats' failed redistricting initiative. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The commonwealth typically holds its primaries in June but this year moved them to August to accommodate a push approved by voters — but squashed by the courts — to draw congressional districts more favorable to Democrats, part of a nationwide redistricting battle.
The state Supreme Court struck down the Democrats' redrawn map, which would have given their candidates a shot at winning 10 of the state's 11 congressional seats, but not before candidates launched campaigns in those presumed districts. When it became clear in May that voters would be casting ballots in congressional districts that have been in place since 2021, many candidates ended their bids. Others scrambled to move their campaign to another district, while some opted to carry on in much less favorable races.
The upheaval created challenges for the candidates, who had to stay in the primary season longer than usual and in some cases take their messages to different communities, Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently told reporters. But Spanberger, a former member of Congress who represented swing districts, said she remained "bullish" on her party's chances in the general election and hopeful that as many as four seats could flip in Virginia.
"The biggest point of consternation that I have is I think that along the way, people … incorrectly took the message that we couldn't win without redistricting. We can win. I believe we will win," she said.
Virginia is currently represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by six Democrats and five Republicans, all of whom are seeking reelection this year. Democrats who are less optimistic than Spanberger hope to flip at least two seats.