Democrats are projected to keep control of both chambers of the Virginia legislature, meaning Democrat-backed referendums on marriage equality and abortion are likely to be on the ballot next year.
Control of the Virginia House of Delegates was up for grabs this cycle as Republicans sought to retake control of the chamber through a series of hotly contested local races. Democrats are projected to keep control of the Virginia House as they significantly expand on their slim majority while maintaining control of the state Senate. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor, is also projected to win her race, giving Virginia Democrats a legislative trifecta to advance their agenda.
Democrats’ victory in the legislature will allow the party to advance a series of proposed constitutional amendments that voters could weigh in on as soon as next year. One measure would create a fundamental state right to reproductive freedom with the possibility of some regulations on third-trimester abortions. Another measure would protect the right of couples to marry regardless of sex, gender or race. A third would automatically restore voting rights to people who have completed criminal sentences for a felony.
Virginia Democrats advanced the measures this year with no or minimal Republican support. Because of the state’s rules around constitutional amendments, legislative majorities must approve the measures a second time before they can come before voters.
Democrats put forward a fourth constitutional amendment in a surprise move just days before Tuesday’s election. This one would allow Virginia entry into the redistricting wars set off by Texas Republicans’ move to gain extra House seats through mid-decade redistricting. The proposed amendment would allow the Virginia legislature to redraw its congressional maps if another state manipulates its maps for reasons other than the regular census-driven process or a court order.
Virginia Democrats bet on maintaining control of the House of Delegates to get the amendment passed one more time before voters can weigh in on it.
“Tonight was an earthquake election in Virginia,” Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams said in a statement. “Voters soundly rejected the MAGA agenda that has raised prices and hurt working families, and the new Democratic trifecta in Virginia will serve as a strong bulwark against the chaos and dysfunction in DC. Republicans have been put on notice for 2026.”
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