Obama, Harris, Newsom react to Dems’ Virginia redistricting win: ‘The power is with the people’

WASHINGTON, DC: Democrats secured a major redistricting victory in Virginia, a development that could shape control of the US House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, drawing reactions from top party leaders.

Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Gavin Newsom praised the outcome, calling it as a pushback against Republican efforts to influence upcoming elections.

Virginia redistricting win boosts Democrats’ House majority chances

In a high-stakes victory for the Democratic Party, Virginia voters approved a pivotal redistricting referendum, effectively clearing the way for new congressional maps that could decide the balance of power in the US House of Representatives.

The outcome allows for the redrawing of congressional maps that could significantly shift the state’s political balance. This win is particularly significant, as it opens the door to districts that could move the state’s delegation from a 6–5 Democratic split to a 10–1 advantage.

Such a shift would provide Democrats with a critical edge in the battle for House control in 2026, especially as both parties intensify efforts to shape electoral maps in key states.

Obama, Harris, Newsom react to Virginia redistricting win

The result sparked immediate celebration from top Democratic figures, amplifying the political stakes of the decision.

Former President Barack Obama led the reaction on X, casting the outcome as a defense of democratic norms. "Congratulations, Virginia! Republicans are trying to tilt the midterm elections in their favor, but they haven’t done it yet. Thanks for showing us what it looks like to stand up for our democracy and fight back," Obama posted.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris echoed that message, directly tying the result to voter power in the 2026 elections. "Donald Trump and Republicans have tried to rig the 2026 midterms. Today in Virginia, voters sent them a clear message: The power is with the people," Harris stated.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent critic of Donald Trump, also weighed in, signaling broader national implications.

Newsom took to X and posted a video of himself with the caption, "Virginia just beat Trump’s rigged game. November ends him. Democrats WILL take back Congress."

In the video, Newsom stated, "Well what a night in Virginia, we keep saying that when we fight fire, with fire, we win, and we are winning all across the United States. in state houses, in courthouses, and now in the court of public opinion. But what is at stake is putting a stake in the heart of the Trump administration by taking back the House of Representatives and take you back to the United States and Senate. Mega, dare I say they're losing at their own game. They're on the defence and they're scared."  

Republicans push back as Virginia redistricting faces legal fight

The ruling marks a significant setback for Republicans, who have used mid-decade redistricting in other states to expand their narrow House majority.

Republicans and conservative leaders have condemned the referendum as a "power grab," arguing it undermines bipartisan intent and fairness in the redistricting process.

Former Governor Glenn Youngkin urged the state Supreme Court to intervene, warning that the move could disenfranchise millions of voters.

Former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II added that the "legal fight is just beginning," pointing to potential constitutional challenges.

Despite mounting opposition, Democrats argue the outcome validates their strategy of directly countering Republican redistricting efforts in the lead-up to 2026.