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ICYMI: WaPo – Virginia Referendum Could Tip the Balance of Power in Congress
Richmond, Va. — A new report from The Washington Post highlights how Virginia’s April 21 referendum has become a key battleground in the national fight over Trump’s power grab — and how voters across the Commonwealth are mobilizing to stop MAGA’s attempts to rig the 2026 midterms.
As the story notes, Democrats launched a coordinated statewide campaign to level the playing field after Trump pushed Republican-led states to redraw maps mid-decade in order to lock in power in Congress.
“Trump is trying to make it unfair. That wouldn’t be a democracy, it would be a dictatorship.”
— Karen Taylor Dantzler, Richmond voter, speaking after casting her ballot
The piece details how the YES Campaign — Virginians for Fair Elections — has already “cranked into high gear” by knocking on tens of thousands of doors, launching statewide advertising, and mobilizing volunteers across Virginia as early voting continues ahead of Election Day.
The Post also underscores how MAGA Republicans running the ‘NO’ campaign are investing millions of dollars in their misinformation campaign after President Trump “started a national battle over maps and power last summer when he pushed Texas and other Republican-run states to redraw their congressional districts.” That deception has included controversial mailers targeting Black voters that have drawn condemnation from civil rights leaders.
Early voting for the referendum started March 6 and ends April 18. Election Day is April 21. Virginians can find their voting information at iwillvote.com.
The Washington Post: As states scrap for congressional seats, Virginia could tip the scales
Key excerpts from the article:
“Trump started a national battle over maps and power last summer when he pushed Texas and other Republican-run states to redraw their congressional districts.”
“Democrats have lodged a surprising counterpunch”
“Democrats are building their push on the belief that voters are more concerned about thwarting the president and his policies.”
“Volunteers have knocked on more than 50,000 doors to promote the referendum.”
“The ‘yes’ campaign cranked into high gear this week, with former president Barack Obama delivering a television ad.”
“Republicans have so far responded… with scattered opposition campaigns pushing a variety of messages.”
“One Republican-aligned group stirred controversy this week with mailers alleging that the new districts would disenfranchise Black voters.”