How Democratic leadership sank $40 million meant to defend key seats on a gamble that backfired
Democratic-aligned groups spent over $64 million, including $40 million from a dark-money nonprofit, to redraw Virginia's congressional map in their favor ahead of the 2026 midterms. The effort failed after the Virginia Supreme Court invalidated the redistricting due to a procedural constitutional violation. Despite the setback, Democratic officials maintain confidence in their fundraising and majority prospects.
- ▪Democratic-aligned groups spent more than $64 million on Virginia's redistricting effort, aiming to gain four congressional seats.
- ▪Approximately $40 million of that spending came from House Majority Forward, a Democratic-aligned 501(c)(4) nonprofit.
- ▪The Virginia Supreme Court invalidated the redistricting process over a procedural constitutional violation, undermining the Democratic strategy.
- ▪Republican-aligned political committees had nearly twice as much cash on hand as Democrats before the redistricting vote.
- ▪House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remains confident Democrats will flip the House despite the setback.
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Midterm Elections How Democratic leadership sank $40 million meant to defend key seats on a gamble that backfired NRCC spokesman says Hakeem Jeffries 'lit well north of $55 million on fire chasing illegal redistricting fantasies' By Robert Schmad Fox News Published May 16, 2026 10:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Hakeem Jeffries confident Dems will flip House after Virginia redistricting setback Chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on Democrats' response after the Virginia Supreme Court issued a setback to the party's redistricting efforts in the state.
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