The Virginia Supreme Court has struck down the redistricting amendment on the grounds that lawmakers violated the state constitutional procedure for placing amendments on the ballot. I’m leaving for vacation today, but I’ll post reactions on the blog — in the order they arrive in my inbox (newest on top) — until I have to head to the airport. — JAB

Statement of House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore Statement on Supreme Court Ruling

GATE CITY, Va–House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore issued the following statement regarding today’s ruling from the Supreme Court of Virginia:

“Today’s ruling establishes once again that the Constitution of Virginia means what it says. The rule of law requires that Virginians have an opportunity to review a Constitutional Amendment before they vote for the House of Delegates in a meaningful way. You cannot violate the Constitution to amend the Constitution.” 

Attorney General Jason Miyares issued the following statement through Fair Maps following this morning’s Virginia Supreme Court ruling:

“Virginians spoke loud and clear in 2020 that voters should pick their elected officials, not the other way around. Today, their voices were heard over the shamefully deceptive rhetoric and language of an unconstitutional effort by Richmond Democrats to carve up the state for themselves. We thank the Justices for their swift action to uphold the rights of our fellow Virginians all across the Commonwealth.”

The Attorney General is available for media interviews this afternoon.  Please let us know if you would like to speak with him via Zoom or phone today.

– Team Miyares

Attorney General Jay Jones Statement Regarding Supreme Court of Virginia Decision in Redistricting Case

RICHMOND, Va.- Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement in response to the Virginia Supreme Court decision in Virginia’s redistricting case.

“Today the Supreme Court of Virginia has chosen to put politics over the rule of law by issuing a ruling that overturns the April 21st special election on redistricting. This decision silences the voices of the millions of Virginians who cast their ballots in every corner of the Commonwealth, and it fuels the growing fears across our nation about the state of our democracy.

As Attorney General, it is my job to enforce the laws on the books and defend the will of the people. Before the Court, my office clearly laid out both in filings and oral arguments that this constitutional amendment process and voter ratification occurred in a timely, constitutionally-compliant, and legally sound manner.

The Republican-led majority of the Supreme Court of Virginia contorted the plain language of the Constitution and Code of Virginia to give it a meaning that was never intended, which allowed them to reach the wrong legal conclusion that fit their political agenda. The consequences of their error are grave.

The strength and stability of our democracy depends on adherence to the rule of law, the execution of free and fair elections where every eligible voter can cast their ballots to choose their leaders, and public trust in the institutions that provide accountability and protect our democratic processes. This Court’s ruling follows a dangerous trend of tilting power away from the people.

My team is carefully reviewing this unprecedented order and we are evaluating every legal pathway forward to defend the will of the people and protect the integrity of Virginia’s elections.

SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER’S STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION IN REDISTRICTING CASE

Today, Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling in Scott v. McDougle.

“The Supreme Court ruling today affirms what we all know: you cannot violate the Constitution to change the Constitution. 

“The Justices of the Supreme Court of Virginia after careful and thorough review of this matter affirmed that even the General Assembly must follow the law. This ruling is not a partisan one – it is a constitutional one. The rule of law is the foundation of our Commonwealth, and today it has been upheld. Every Virginian wins.”