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Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map

Virginia Democrats' redistricting passes in vote that could shift Congress

The move positions Virginia as a key battleground in a national redistricting fight that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

Politics & Policy

Virginia voters approved a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/21/virginia-redistricting-election-voter-confusion" data-vars-content-id="6eb66a27-e640-49ce-9f9e-e70036e7737d" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/21/virginia-redistricting-election-voter-confusion" target="_self">redistricting measure</a> Tuesday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports," data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/virginia-special-general-results-question-1/" data-vars-content-id="6eb66a27-e640-49ce-9f9e-e70036e7737d" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/virginia-special-general-results-question-1/" target="_blank">AP reports,</a> clearing the way for a new congressional map that could help Democrats flip multiple Republican-held districts.Why it matters: The move positions Virginia as a key battleground in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a national redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="6eb66a27-e640-49ce-9f9e-e70036e7737d" data-vars-headline="Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">a national redistricting</a> fight that could help determine control of the U.S. House.

The "Taj Mahal" of Krogers is now open in Hanover

The $40M store spans 118,000 square feet and adds clothing, toys and more to grocery aisles.

Business

The largest Kroger in the Mid-Atlantic opened last week in Mechanicsville. Why it matters: The 118,000-plus-square-foot store sells toys, electronics, home goods, and has a clothing department, complete with a dressing room.

British royals plan Virginia stop for America's 250th

The king and queen plan a Virginia stop for the nation's 250th, with cultural events and visits planned.

News

The King and Queen of England are coming to Virginia at the end of April to celebrate America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/09/virginia-250-richmond-events-museums-sailfest" data-vars-content-id="435b0b36-aace-49e4-a13d-fd07bfbf6467" data-vars-headline="British royals plan Virginia stop for America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/09/virginia-250-richmond-events-museums-sailfest" target="_self">250th anniversary</a>.Why it matters: That&#x27;s some posh sportsmanship from the royal heads of the country we fought against.

What to know about Virginia Beach's Oceanfront curfew

The temporary rule covers all ages in a two-mile tourist zone, with stricter limits for minors.

A temporary, all-ages curfew for a two-mile stretch of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will be in effect again this Friday night. Why it matters: That&#x27;s on top of an existing one for minors, so if you&#x27;re planning a trip to Virginia Beach, you may want to study up on their rules.

Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor's race

Some precincts that voted for Gov. Abigail Spanberger rejected redistricting — even in Richmond.

Across the Richmond region, more voting precincts were divided on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="06038b78-872e-41be-ad33-b790f3b34560" data-vars-headline="Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">redistricting measure</a> than on last year&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Some of the same precincts split on redistricting are also being split in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="06038b78-872e-41be-ad33-b790f3b34560" data-vars-headline="Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">new congressional map</a>.

Why Virginia's redistricting referendum is confusing some voters

Dark money, dueling ads and celebrity cameos are part of a high-stakes fight that could reshape Virginia.

One of the most unusual elections in recent Virginia politics is almost over.Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s redistricting fight has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filled with lawsuits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/13/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-referendum" data-vars-content-id="8fa03a18-4965-4b15-97f2-9cf629647a60" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia&#x27;s redistricting referendum is confusing some voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/13/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-referendum" target="_self">filled with lawsuits</a>, conflicting messaging, celebrity cameos, dark money and Democrats announcing campaigns for districts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that don&#x27;t exist yet." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/11/virginia-redistricting-house-seats-2026" data-vars-content-id="8fa03a18-4965-4b15-97f2-9cf629647a60" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia&#x27;s redistricting referendum is confusing some voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/11/virginia-redistricting-house-seats-2026" target="_self">that don&#x27;t exist yet.</a>

Virginia redistricting vote sets spending record

More than $83M has been pouring into Virginia's redistricting fight, ousting Richmond casino from the top spot.

Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="669f4e22-7057-4d8f-aff8-87a06d85748a" data-vars-headline="Virginia redistricting vote sets spending record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">redistricting referendum</a> is the most expensive ballot measure in state history, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Virginia Public Access Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vpap.org/visuals/visual/the-most-expensive-referenda/" data-vars-content-id="669f4e22-7057-4d8f-aff8-87a06d85748a" data-vars-headline="Virginia redistricting vote sets spending record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vpap.org/visuals/visual/the-most-expensive-referenda/" target="_blank">the Virginia Public Access Project</a>. Why it matters: The money pumped into the redistricting campaigns ousted Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 casino referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/08/election-results-casino-urban-one-churchill-downs" data-vars-content-id="669f4e22-7057-4d8f-aff8-87a06d85748a" data-vars-headline="Virginia redistricting vote sets spending record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/08/election-results-casino-urban-one-churchill-downs" target="_self">2023 casino referendum</a> from the top spot.

Spanberger charts moderate course in first Virginia session

Her mix of vetoes, amendments and approvals show where she agrees — and breaks — with her own party.

Facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tepid popularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/04/06/virginia-spanberger-approval-poll-affordability/" data-vars-content-id="6d0fe811-28a9-4db8-b712-a02715ee3ee8" data-vars-headline="Spanberger charts moderate course in first Virginia session" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/04/06/virginia-spanberger-approval-poll-affordability/" target="_blank">tepid popularity</a> and Republican attacks, Gov. Abigail Spanberger is starting to stake out a more centrist path in Virginia.Why it matters: In her first legislative session, Spanberger&#x27;s actions on over 1,000 bills Monday night show she&#x27;s diving into the details — and willing to break with her own party.

Spanberger proposes broad changes to major Virginia bills

Her amendments reshape major policies, from raising gun age limits to delaying marijuana sales.

Gov. Spanberger proposed changes to more than 100 bills in her first review process, from marijuana sales and paid sick leave to unions and guns.Why it matters: Even with full Democratic control of the statehouse, the moves suggest the former Congresswoman is governing like a legislator. Zoom in: Here are some of Spanberger&#x27;s noteworthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/april-releases/name-1116400-en.html" data-vars-content-id="0c74f3f1-1aae-44b7-aeea-97afb39fce6e" data-vars-headline="Spanberger proposes broad changes to major Virginia bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/april-releases/name-1116400-en.html" target="_blank">amendments</a>.GunsThe governor proposed slight changes to a slew of gun legislation, including: <ul><li>A ban on assault weapons bought or sold after July 1, to allow some semi-automatic shotguns used for hunting </li><li>On universal background checks, she added that private sales are included and upped the minimum purchase age for handguns and some semi-automatic firearms from 18 to 21.</li><li>She also added a clause for background checks to resume as soon as state legislators sign off. </li></ul>Cannabis market On the legislation creating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s recreational marijuana marketplace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" data-vars-content-id="0c74f3f1-1aae-44b7-aeea-97afb39fce6e" data-vars-headline="Spanberger proposes broad changes to major Virginia bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" target="_self">state&#x27;s recreational marijuana marketplace</a>, the governor proposed pushing the start of sales from January 1 to July 1, 2027. <ul><li>Plus, she wants to reduce the number of stores allowed in the state, increase the tax rate and allow more people to qualify for &quot;impact licenses,&quot; including veterans and the economically disadvantaged. </li></ul>Marijuana sentence reductions Spanberger proposed a petition process for people previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses. The original bill required an automatic hearing. Paid family leaveThe governor proposed eligibility limits and other restrictions to legislation that would allow Virginia workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves or a family member. <ul><li>She wants to narrow the definition of family to mean household and relatives as opposed to a &quot;close association.&quot;</li><li>Changes also require eligible employees to be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and employed for at least 120 days to get job protection. </li></ul>Paid sick leave Proposed changes to the bill that would allow one hour of sick leave to every 30 hours worked include requiring advance notice for foreseeable leave and written or electronic leave requests.Unions Spanberger proposed delaying the start of a collective bargaining resource board by two years. The board is designed to help state and local government employees, plus home health workers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unionize" data-vars-click-url="https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB378" data-vars-content-id="0c74f3f1-1aae-44b7-aeea-97afb39fce6e" data-vars-headline="Spanberger proposes broad changes to major Virginia bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB378" target="_blank">unionize</a>. ICE enforcementOn legislation limiting where ICE agents can make arrests without a warrant, she proposed stripping the enforcement portion of the bill. <ul><li>And on one barring ICE and other law enforcement from wearing masks, she amended the language to allow individual departments to set their own policies. </li></ul>The intrigue: Some statehouse Democrats pushed back on the governor&#x27;s proposed changes to their legislation.<ul><li>Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Paul Krizek, who sponsored the legislation creating the state&#x27;s retail marijuana market, said in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a joint statement" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/lashrecseaird/status/2044127374468399260/photo/1" data-vars-content-id="0c74f3f1-1aae-44b7-aeea-97afb39fce6e" data-vars-headline="Spanberger proposes broad changes to major Virginia bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/lashrecseaird/status/2044127374468399260/photo/1" target="_blank">a joint statement</a> that the governor&#x27;s revision will make the legal market harder to access and allow the illicit market to thrive.</li><li>Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expressed concern" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/salimforva/status/2044061552320409626/photo/1" data-vars-content-id="0c74f3f1-1aae-44b7-aeea-97afb39fce6e" data-vars-headline="Spanberger proposes broad changes to major Virginia bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/salimforva/status/2044061552320409626/photo/1" target="_blank">expressed concern</a> over changes to his bills attempting to rein in ICE enforcement in the state.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The General Assembly will consider her amendments when it reconvenes on April 22.

Avula wants to bring back public spending data access — with limits

Officials have failed for years to follow Richmond's law. They say it's due to how labor intensive the process is.

Richmond hasn&#x27;t published a full public log of its spending, as required by its own law, since 2019.Why it matters: Now, city leaders say they want to amend the law to make compliance possible, a move past administrations attempted and were criticized for doing.

Top takeaways from Youngkin's Hannity interview

The former governor talked future plans, Trump ties and his Richmond election strategy.

Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin chatted with Sean Hannity about his time in office and future plans in an interview that aired this week. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the brief Richmonder&#x27;s first big interview since leaving office in January.

Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass

That optimism runs counter to the growing anxiety among Democrats.

People are betting that Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">redistricting referendum</a> will pass, and the odds have only grown more confident in recent days.Why it matters: That optimism runs counter to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" target="_blank">growing anxiety</a> among Democrats due to strong early voting turnout in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican-leaning districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" target="_self">Republican-leaning districts</a>.

Mayor Avula bets on inspiration-first State of the City

It's unclear whether it'll resonate with residents navigating federal uncertainty and rising housing costs.

In an unusual change from past administrations, Mayor Danny Avula spent his State of the City passing the mic to local leaders instead of giving a traditional speech.Why it matters: The format showed his administration is betting on an inspiration-first governing style built around storytelling and community voices.<ul><li>It&#x27;s unclear whether it&#x27;ll resonate with residents navigating rising housing and utility costs, pedestrian deaths, and immigration crackdowns.</li></ul>

A map showing Virginia's current congressional district boundaries and the new boundaries Democrats are proposing as of February 5, 2026.

Virginia proposed Congressional districts map

Note: The 3rd congressional district will extend slightly farther south after Democrats modified their map in late February. Data: Virginia Legislative Information System; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios

Politics 🇺🇸

Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor's race

Virginia voters approve effort to redraw congressional map

Why Virginia's redistricting referendum is confusing some voters

Virginia redistricting vote sets spending record

Spanberger charts moderate course in first Virginia session