|
One final piece of information I would like to share is what Democrats have decided to do just last week, mere days before the election. The Virginia General Assembly was unexpectedly called into what’s known as a “Special Session.” Traditionally, these sessions are reserved for extraordinary circumstances, such as emergencies or urgent budget matters. However, this session wasn’t about addressing any pressing issues, such as ensuring vital programs continue amid federal gridlock. Instead, Virginia Democrats brought legislators back to Richmond for a purely political fight over redistricting — a move that wasted time and taxpayer dollars at a moment when our focus should be on the people we serve.
It’s important to remember that Virginia ended partisan redistricting, commonly known as gerrymandering, in 2020. This wasn’t a minor policy change — it was a historic, bipartisan constitutional amendment that passed the General Assembly twice and was approved by over 65% of voters. That overwhelming support sent a clear message: Virginians want fair, independent maps, not partisan manipulation. Now, Democrats are attempting to reverse that progress and bring back the very system voters rejected. This is not only an affront to the will of the people but a direct threat to the integrity and fairness of our elections.
Democrats claim to be the party fighting “to save democracy” and to protect our nation from what they call the “tyranny” of President Trump. Yet, their actions tell a very different story. Instead of defending democratic principles, they have chosen to undermine them—by attempting to disenfranchise millions of voters who support the President’s policies and by redrawing congressional maps designed to eliminate Republican representation.
They clutch their pearls and point fingers at states like Texas for so-called partisan gerrymandering, while conveniently ignoring their own efforts to manipulate district lines for political gain. The truth is that both parties have engaged in gerrymandering throughout our nation’s history. That's what made our Bipartisan redistricting committee so historic and important. It was an acknowledgment that fair representation should never be a partisan weapon. To return to gerrymandering now would undo that progress. When politicians choose their voters instead of the other way around, it erodes faith in our system, discourages participation, and deepens the divide between citizens and their government.
They’re also resorting to questionable tactics to push this amendment through. Knowing that constitutional amendments must pass between elections, Democrats hastily called a special session to rush the process before voters head to the polls this year. Their goal was simple—to get it done before Election Day, regardless of fairness or transparency.
The problem is that thousands of Virginians have already cast their ballots, unaware that this sudden maneuver was in motion. Many of those voters might have made different choices had they known Democrats planned to play political games behind the scenes. In a year when every vote matters and the results could come down to just a few thousand ballots on either side, this kind of last-minute manipulation is completely unacceptable. It undermines confidence in our elections and damages the public’s trust in the process.
I am deeply disappointed by the actions taken by the Democrats, which is why I voted against this constitutional amendment and will continue to oppose it next year. Politicians should not be the ones choosing their constituents—our constituents should choose their representatives. That is the foundation of a fair and functioning democracy. When elected officials manipulate the rules to secure their own power, they betray the trust of the people they serve. I will continue to stand up for transparency, accountability, and the right of every Virginian to have a meaningful voice in the electoral process.
My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]
| 
