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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SAYING: Voters, Leaders Speaking Out in Support of Voting YES on April 21
Richmond, Va. — With the April 21st redistricting referendum approaching, Virginians from every corner of the Commonwealth are speaking out in support of voting YES to level the playing field and stop Trump’s power grab.
Community leaders, veterans, educators, healthcare workers, small business owners, and everyday voters are making the case that Virginia has a responsibility to act as Republican-led states attempt to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
From Southwest to Southside, Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia, the Eastern Shore to the heart of Richmond, and everywhere in between — Virginians across the Commonwealth are making clear that they intend to vote YES to level the playing field and ensure voters, not politicians, determine the outcome of future elections.
Leaders Across the Commonwealth Back a YES Vote
Virginia’s leaders know what’s at stake — which is why they are voting YES by April 21st.
I supported the formation of Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission in 2020, and that support has not changed. What has changed is what we are seeing in states across the country — and a President who says he’s “entitled” to more Republican seats before this year’s midterms. That’s a direct quote, “entitled”. And Virginia has the opportunity to take action in response. […] At this extraordinary moment, I urge all Virginians to join me in voting YES by April 21st.
U.S. Senators Mark Warner & Tim Kaine:
Donald Trump’s decision to prioritize redrawing voting maps across the country instead of focusing on lowering costs for families has created extraordinary circumstances for states like Virginia. There is now a temporary proposal aimed at preserving a fair playing field and protecting Virginia voters. […] We strongly support this effort and Virginia’s commitment to public transparency throughout the process.”
Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi:
“Virginians are angry about the direction of the country, the direction that Donald Trump has been taking us. We are responding to the urgency [of] the moment. We’re responding to what the Virginians have been asking us to do. This constitutional amendment is returning power back to the people.”
“Among his first actions, Jones issued a redistricting opinion reaffirming the General Assembly’s authority to advance a constitutional amendment on redistricting for voter consideration.”
Virginia’s Democratic Congressional Delegation:
“As the elected representatives of communities across this Commonwealth, we cannot ignore what it means for the millions of people we serve. Virginians now face a choice: do nothing while our voice in Congress is overridden by the schemes in MAGA-controlled states, or respond with a temporary, voter-approved step to level the playing field and ensure the nationwide map is not structurally rigged ahead of the 2026 election.”
“Trump and MAGA Republicans are trying to rig the midterm elections so they can lock in power, but we can restore fairness with an amendment that gives Virginians the power to level the playing field. It’s temporary, reaffirming our commitment to bipartisan redistricting this year. Our Commonwealth can defend the common good by voting yes for fair elections.”
Senate Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas:
“When Trump pushed for Texas to redistrict prior to the midterms all of that went right out the window…Now, with Texas [and] North Carolina gerrymandering for Republicans, it’s only reasonable for [Democrats] to respond! We will fight fire with fire.”
Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Lamont Bagby:
“This April, Virginia voters have the opportunity to say: not here. Not on our watch. You can level the playing field, protect Virginia’s voice in Congress and preserve fair representation for our kids and grandkids — while ensuring that our bipartisan redistricting process resumes after 2030, exactly as we intended when we created it.”
Majority Leader Scott Surrovell:
“This isn’t about payback, it’s about restoring and preserving balance to our system. When other states manipulate their maps to gain unfair advantage, they don’t just harm their own voters, they also harm Virginia’s ability to have it’s fair representation.”
Delegate Luke Torian and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus:
“Virginia is not going to standby and watch a power grab of the midterm elections. Virginians have an opportunity to restore fairness with this temporary measure while also remaining committed to an independent redistricting process in the future. The VLBC and its members will actively promote voting yes on the referendum through social media and various public appearances over the coming weeks leading up to April 21st.”
Virginia NAACP President Reverend Cozy Bailey:
“As a young man at the U.S. Naval Academy, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Across our nation, we witness politicians aligned with President Donald Trump attempting to redraw congressional maps mid-decade. […] This is why the upcoming referendum on April 21 deserves our full attention. The NAACP Virginia State Conference endorses a ‘YES’ vote on this proposal.”
“Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are hellbent on pursuing a national power grab, and are now spending millions of dollars spreading misinformation across Virginia to buy this election […] But our communities have fought too long and too hard for the right to vote to allow that history to be twisted and weaponized in this way […] We are voting YES.”
Voters Across the Commonwealth Back a YES Vote
Virginians from communities large and small are also sharing why they support the referendum and believe the Commonwealth must act to protect fair representation ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Master Chief Petty Officer Susan Hippen: Virginia Beach veteran explains why she supports redistricting amendment
Charlotte Hollings: Retired Lancaster small-business owner plans to vote for redistricting amendment
Dr. Tiawana Giles: Chesterfield educator and veteran explains her support for redistricting referendum
Roscoe Eubanks: Retired Army logistician backs redistricting amendment: ‘We are doing something fair’
Paddy Rassbach: Southside nurse shares why she is voting yes on the redistricting amendment
Sheila Crowley: Why a Mathews County retiree plans to vote yes on the April 21 redistricting referendum
Councilwoman Lloyd Snook: I’m voting ‘yes’” on the Redistricting Amendment
Virginians Making the Case to their Neighbors
Support for the referendum is also being voiced in newspapers and local media outlets across Virginia, where community leaders and residents are writing letters to the editor urging voters to support the amendment.
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