RICHMOND, Va. — In a pivotal ruling, a Virginia judge has deemed a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Democrats to redraw the state’s Congressional maps to be illegal. This decision, made by Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr., poses a potential setback for Democrats aiming to bolster their representation in the U.S. House this November. Judge Hurley noted that lawmakers violated several rules regarding the amendment's introduction during a special session, as well as failing to secure public approval before the last general election and neglecting to publish the amendment three months in advance, which is legally required. The ruling declared the amendment invalid. Virginians for Fair Elections, a campaign backing the redistricting initiative, indicated plans to appeal the decision. According to campaign manager Keren Charles Dongo, the ruling reflects a strategic choice by Republicans and emphasizes the need for fair voting opportunities. 'We’re prepared for what comes next,' Dongo stated emphatically. 'Virginians deserve both the right to vote and a fair playing field.' The ongoing mid-decade redistricting disputes are reverberating across the United States, with implications for both major parties. While Republicans are expecting to secure additional seats in states like Texas and North Carolina, Democrats believe they can win more in California and Utah. In Virginia, Democrats are keen on capitalizing on redistricting to offset a three-seat deficit, amid ongoing litigation over redistricting processes in several states.