Former President Barack Obama is promoting a Democratic effort to redraw congressional lines in Virginia, the latest front in a nationwide redistricting battle ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
1 dead, 2 sent to hospital after argument escalates to gunfire at St. Johns County construction site, deputies sayMan charged after 1 killed, 2 wounded when argument escalates to gunfire at SJC construction site, sheriff’s office says Read full article: Man charged after 1 killed, 2 wounded when argument escalates to gunfire at SJC construction site, sheriff’s office saysMarion County Sheriff's Office LogoRead full article: Marion County man faces murder charge in death of girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter A 45-year-old man who was previously arrested for child molestation is now facing new charges after police connected him to an armed robbery attempt that left a 32-year-old man dead, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Man arrested for child molestation faces new charges stemming from armed robbery attempt that left 32-year-old dead: JSO Read full article: Man arrested for child molestation faces new charges stemming from armed robbery attempt that left 32-year-old dead: JSOFILE - Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago, Dec. 5, 2024. FILE - The state and U.S. flags fly over the Virginia State Capitol at the start of the 2024 session of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 10, 2024. FILE - Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago, Dec. 5, 2024. The announcement Thursday comes a day after the state Supreme Court allowed the redistricting question to go to voters for an April 21 election. Early voting begins Friday.It's the second time Obama has agreed to stump for a Democratic effort that asks voters to temporarily set aside an independent redistricting process in favor of partisan maps as a way to counter President Donald Trump's push for congressional gerrymandering in Republican-controlled states. California voters approved a similar measure last fall as“This amendment gives you the power to level the playing field in the midterms this fall,” Obama says in the video, released by Virginians for Fair Elections. “And voters will have the final say over what the maps look like." In February, Virginia Democrats released a new congressional map aimed at giving their party four more seats. The Democratic-led legislature passed the proposed map, and Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the document into law.And, Obama goes on to point out, it's a temporary construct, as was the measure put before California voters. After the next census in 2030, he notes, “Virginia will go back to a system that lets a bipartisan redistricting commission redraw the maps.”The situation in Virginia has been evolving swiftly, and there are no guarantees the new map will take effect this year even if it's approved by voters.was the second time it has decided that the new map could go before voters while the justices review legal challenges to the effort. The court still has not ruled on whether the mid-decade redistricting plan and voter referendum are legal, indicating that the April vote could be all for nothing if it upholds Democratic lawmakers in Virginia have sought to portray their redistricting plan as a response to Trump’s push for Republican states to redraw their maps in an attempt to maintain a GOP majority in the House of Representatives. Republicans describe it as a way for liberals in northern Virginia to commandeer congressional districts in the rest of the state.He has called attention to the issue since leaving office in 2017 and helped raise money for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates, one of which hasin several states over GOP-drawn districts. That group is headed by Eric Holder, who served as Obama’s attorney general.Speaking at an NDRC fundraiser at the time, Obama said partisan gerrymandering was not his “preference.” But, he added, if Democrats “don’t respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy.”Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Bus company confirms driver removed from service after unauthorized person boards school busUNF poll finds that Florida voters are split on Trump's immigration policyPhotos show Jacksonville-based Navy ships, helicopters playing key roles in ‘Operation Epic FurySt. Johns County deputies pull man away from fiery crash on I-95Passion 4 Pets: Taco is looking for his furever home 🌮LIFT JAX, Swisher announce $135M expansion to create jobs for Eastside residentsManatees at Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens enjoy new river habitatHere Tomorrow is redefining suicide prevention — offering immediate, no-cost support with no wait.Chain reaction crash on Atlantic Blvd claims the lives of 3 people, injures others
U.S. News Washington News Eric Holder Donald Trump Barack Obama Abigail Spanberger
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Plus/Minus: Virginia Basketball Holds on Late, Downs Wake ForestVirginia was always in control despite a spirited performance from Wake Forest, and secured a workmanlike 75 – 70 victory.
Read more »
7-1 To 7-5 — A Deep Dive Into Virginia Tech's Four-Game SlideJosh Poslusny visits what's gone wrong in Virginia Tech's four-game losing streak. Read more below.
Read more »
Virginia Tech Escapes With 72-63 Win Over Boston CollegeThe Hokies allowed Boston College to close the gap to six but hung on to claim their eighth ACC win.
Read more »
Illinois man identified nearly 50 years after deadly crash on Virginia highwayA decades-old mystery on a Virginia highway involving an Illinois man is finally solved.
Read more »
Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Block on Redistricting Referendum; Other News RoundupThe Virginia Supreme Court lifted a block on a redistricting referendum vote, clearing the way for voters to weigh in. In other news, a 15-year-old girl died in a rollover crash, a wrongful death lawsuit alleges a counterfeit airbag caused a fatal explosion, and Burgess Owens announced he will not seek reelection. Investigations continue into a deadly crash.
Read more »
Obama supports Democrats' Virginia redistricting planFormer President Barack Obama is promoting a Democratic effort to redraw congressional lines in Virginia, the latest front in a nationwide redistricting battle ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Thursday's announcement comes a day after the state Supreme Court allowed the redistricting question to go to voters for an April 21 election.
Read more »