RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin condemned the passage of H.J. 6007 by the Virginia General Assembly, describing it as a last-minute effort to undermine the state’s independent redistricting process. The measure, introduced by Democrats in the state legislature, comes after Virginia voters approved an amendment in 2020 designed to prevent partisan gerrymandering by establishing an independent redistricting commission.
Youngkin’s statement follows the bill’s passage along party lines in a special session held late in the election cycle. The governor called the legislative process “shameful” and “fundamentally wrong,” criticizing the lack of debate, the silencing of opposing voices, and reports of threats against members who opposed the measure. He also highlighted the financial influence of national Democratic groups, which, according to Youngkin, played a role in the push for the bill. “Everything about this process was wrong,” said Youngkin. “This was a party-line vote in the eleventh hour, with debate silenced and members threatened with removal. The people of Virginia deserve fair districts, not political gamesmanship driven by out-of-state money.”
The governor also expressed concern over the involvement of national Democratic organizations in the process, accusing them of using financial support to push for partisan gains. “Virginians are not pawns in this game,” Youngkin continued. “They deserve fair representation, and they will not forget what happened today.” The redistricting amendment, passed by voters in 2020, was intended to ensure a nonpartisan approach to district mapping. Governor Youngkin’s office emphasized that the latest legislative move undermines the spirit and intent of that voter-approved measure.
Photo: governor.virginia.gov