On Tuesday, the 21st, Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hartley ruled that "the procedures used as the basis for the referendum violated several state laws, and certifying the results would harm Republican lawmakers in the state."

This ruling is drawing attention because it rejects referendum results that could potentially lead to Democrats gaining four additional seats in the House of Representatives.

Tyler Englander, a reporter for ABC8 News, posted on X, "The Tazewell court's ruling states the following: It declares that all votes, whether for or against the proposed constitutional amendment in a special election on April 21, 2026, are invalid."

Englander added, "The defendants and their successors are prohibited from certifying the results of the special election on April 21, 2026."

The court's decision comes after the redistricting referendum results were announced as 1,575,331 votes in favor (51.5%) and 1,486,239 votes against (48.5%), according to the Associated Press.

This ruling was made after reports indicated that the referendum's passage could change Virginia's congressional delegation from a closely divided 6-5 split to a dominant 10-1 advantage for Democrats.

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones (Democrat) stated on X, "We will appeal immediately. An activist judge should not have the power to veto a referendum."

The lawsuit was filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) against the Virginia Secretary of Elections.

A separate lawsuit is currently pending before the Supreme Court of Virginia, alleging that the language of the referendum could confuse or mislead voters.

This circuit court ruling presents another hurdle for Virginia Democrats to overcome.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Editor, NNP USA / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com