Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, addressed the challenges of redistricting during a recent appearance on a liberal podcast. She discussed the limitations Virginia faces in changing its redistricting process, noting that any changes would require a lengthy multi-election process and would not take effect until 2028.
Spanberger explained, “I think that it’s important that we do fight fire with fire. But I’m also recognizing that in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the process that we have to make constitutional amendments, right? So, it was just a couple years ago that we went through a multi-year process to put a redistricting commission process within our state constitution.
We have to have an election…there has to be a vote in the General Assembly, then there has to be elections, then there has to be another election, then they vote again, and then it goes to the people. So, you know, even in the looking at this, if someone says, ‘OK, Virginia might be a possibility,’ that’s not till 2028 where there would actually be an impact on congressional elections. And I’m unwilling in Virginia to wait for 2028.
And so, it is the harder route, I’m not denying that, to say we’re going to fucking win those seats in the midterms by working hard and doing it. But in Virginia, that’s our only option. And frankly, like I think Democrats need to fight more and win more and actually ensure that people know what we are for because Republicans have to depend on redistricting and stealing votes and taking seats like they did in North Carolina in order to actually be able to win elections.”
The video of her remarks was shared by Blue Virginia on social media: Video: Pressed About Virginia Redistricting, Abigail Spanberger Says “I’m unwilling in Virginia to wait for 2028”; “only option” Is “to…fucking win those seats in the midterms by working hard and doing it!” https://t.co/W2okYqun5l h/t @JamesAbrenio@briantylercohenpic.twitter.com/1Qd0IAVT9v
Spanberger’s comments come as she faces increasing pressure from her party ahead of November’s gubernatorial election. Recent polling indicates Republican candidate Winsome Sears has gained ground over the past ten days after trailing earlier in the campaign.
