Harris accuses Trump allies of trying to ‘rig’ 2026 midterms after Virginia court strikes redistricting measure
Vice President Kamala Harris accused President Donald Trump and Republicans of attempting to ‘rig the 2026 elections’ after the Virginia Supreme Court nullified a voter-approved redistricting referendum, according to her posts on X on May 8. She said the ruling would ‘give a boost’ to efforts to manipulate future elections.
The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the process used to pass the measure violated the state constitution. In its decision, the court said the constitutional violation ‘incursably taints the resulting referendum vote and nullifies its legal efficacy.’ The measure, which passed by a margin of 51% to 49%, would have shifted redistricting authority from Virginia’s nonpartisan commission to the Democrat-controlled legislature through 2030. It was expected to create a 10-1 Democratic advantage in the state’s congressional delegation.
Republican leaders celebrated the ruling, with Trump posting on Truth Social calling it a ‘Huge win for the Republican Party, and America, in Virginia.’ Trump praised the court’s decision as a strike against what he called a ‘horrible gerrymander.’ Democrats criticized the ruling; Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin accused the Virginia Supreme Court of putting ‘partisan politics over the will of the people.’ Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones stated his office is evaluating legal options, saying the decision ‘silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots.’
Harris echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to continue fighting to restore voting rights and political power. Her comments came amid her increasing criticism of Trump and speculation about her potential run in 2028. During a recent event in Las Vegas, Harris said many Americans find the American Dream to be an ‘American myth.’ She also called Trump ‘dangerous,’ declining to dismiss him as merely an idiot.
Top Democrats remain divided on Harris’s future leadership. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina told Fox News Digital he had no idea if she would lead the party in 2028, while Rep. Dan Goldman of New York said discussions about that would come after 2026. Rep. John Larson of Connecticut noted that the decision ultimately rests with Harris, but he believes the party should keep its options open with a ‘wide-open primary.’
The Virginia ruling marks a key moment in the broader battle over redistricting as both parties gear up for the 2026 midterms. Harris reaffirmed her commitment to activism, saying, ‘When you feel powerless, you are powerless. When you feel powerful, you are powerful. And we are powerful. We must show that power every day.’
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