Virginia Democrats moved one step closer to redrawing the state’s congressional map after a key House committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment allowing for redistricting, in response to nationwide GOP gerrymanders.

The effort, if successful, could end up giving Democrats as many as four new congressional seats.

The House Privileges and Elections Committee voted 15-7 to advance the proposed redistricting amendment on the opening day of the 2026 General Assembly session.

The amendment would temporarily allow lawmakers to redraw Virginia’s U.S. House districts outside the normal census cycle — a change Democrats say is necessary to counter aggressive Republican gerrymanders pushed by President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.