The Virginia House of Delegates advanced a constitutional amendment allowing the state to redraw congressional lines if another state conducts midcycle redistricting, moving it closer to influencing the 2026 midterms.

Democrats passed the measure 51-42, with the Senate committee also approving it, and it is expected to pass the full Senate, where Democrats hold a majority.

Republicans have filed a lawsuit challenging the Legislature’s authority to advance the amendment and questioning the process, with a hearing scheduled for November 5, The Hill has reported.

Virginia Democrats aim to finalize the amendment before the 2026 election, with plans to bring it before voters soon after the next legislative session.