Trump cries ‘rigged’ over Virginia redistricting vote, offers no evidence of fraud

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 22, claimed, without evidence, that Virginia’s redistricting referendum was “rigged,” reacting to a Democratic victory in Tuesday’s vote.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Republicans were leading “all day long” before a late surge of mail-in ballots tipped the outcome.

“A RIGGED ELECTION TOOK PLACE LAST NIGHT IN THE GREAT COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA!” he wrote, suggesting a familiar pattern without providing proof.

Democratic plan could reshape congressional map

Virginia voters approved a Democrat-backed redistricting proposal that could expand the party’s narrow 6-5 edge in the state’s congressional delegation to a commanding 10-1 advantage.

The shift is seen as a significant setback for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

However, the outcome is expected to face legal challenges, with critics arguing that the ballot language was unclear and that the plan may violate the Virginia Constitution.

President questions ballot wording

Trump also attacked the referendum’s wording, calling it “purposefully unintelligible and deceptive.”

In a post, he claimed even he could not understand the measure, expressing hope that courts would overturn the result.

Despite the loss, Republicans highlighted what they described as a stronger-than-expected performance.

Trump’s political director, James Blair, told CNN the close margin signaled momentum for the party.

Blair noted that Democrats had won statewide races in 2025 by wide margins, arguing that the tighter contest this time suggests Republicans could gain ground in both the House and Senate if similar trends hold in future elections.

Since his 2020 election loss, Trump has repeatedly asserted that elections are “rigged,” despite a lack of evidence.

In recent weeks, he has also dismissed unfavorable polling on his presidency and the war in Iran as manipulated.