Congressional redistricting changes accelerate in courts and legislatures favoring Republicans

A wave of redistricting decisions this week, primarily in Southern states, is expected to boost Republicans' chances of maintaining control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. A Virginia state court struck down a Democratic redistricting plan in a 4-3 decision, citing procedural violations in how the constitutional amendment was approved. The ruling restores Virginia's previous congressional maps for the upcoming elections.