Republicans rush to close the gap in the final stretch of Virginia's redistricting election

Even as they’ve been massively outspent in a Democratic-leaning state, Republicans say they still have a fighting chance to defeat a redistricting referendum in Virginia next week that could help tip the balance of power in the House in this fall’s midterm elections.

Republicans have been clear-eyed about the obstacles they face in urging voters to reject a redrawn congressional map that would pave the way for Democrats to pick up as many as four seats. They are coming off an election just five months ago in which Democrats swept every statewide office on the ballot and expanded their legislative majority.

But while Democrats hold a 3-1 ad spending advantage heading into Tuesday’s special election, that edge has shrunk significantly in recent weeks. And the latest public polling has shown support for the new map with a single-digit lead — much narrower than Democrats’ recent victories in the state.

Republicans have also called on House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and members of Congress to help make the case on the campaign trail in the closing stretch of the race — activity that has been met with similar firepower on the Democratic side.




https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/republicans-rush-close-gap-final-stretch-virginia-redistricting-rcna331803