ICYMI: Chairman Lamont Bagby — Virginia Voters Have The Opportunity To Say “Not Here. Not On Our Watch.”

Richmond, Va. — Senator Lamont Bagby, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia yesterday authored a piece released by Cardinal News holding Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans accountable for attempting to rig the midterm elections.  

Bagby warns that Republican legislatures in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, and Florida are redrawing maps behind closed doors to predetermine election outcomes ahead of the 2026 midterms.

“Virginia has long led the nation in fair and transparent elections,” Bagby wrote. “But what we are witnessing nationally is an emergency — a coordinated effort to rig congressional maps so the will of voters no longer determines who controls the House.”

Bagby emphasizes that unchecked, unmandated gerrymandering in other states would directly diminish Virginia’s influence in Congress.

“Every seat Republicans add elsewhere dilutes Virginia’s voice in Washington,” Bagby says. “That affects committee power, federal funding, and our ability to fight for federal workers, veterans, and families who rely on federal investment in our commonwealth.”

Bagby also underscored that in Virginia, the decision ultimately rests with voters, not politicians — unlike GOP controlled states. 

“This amendment followed Virginia’s constitutional process exactly as designed … It passed the General Assembly twice, with an election in between, and now Virginians themselves will decide in a statewide referendum. That is not a power grab — that is direct democracy.”

Early voting for the April referendum begins March 6, with Election Day on April 21.

The full op-ed, “Virginia won’t stand by while Republicans rig the map,” is available here.