Virginia legislature advances new congressional map with 10-1 Democratic edge

The Virginia legislature has advanced a new congressional map with a 10-1 Democratic edge to help the party in the midterm elections.

Both chambers of the legislature on Tuesday advanced the map, which changes the current 6-5 advantage that Democrats have for the commonwealth's congressional seats, The Hill news outlet reported. Each chamber will now have to pass the other’s legislation, then the map will head to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) desk for signature. The new map gives Democrats a 10-1 advantage. 

Virginia Democrats are hoping to pass a new congressional map ahead of the November election to level the playing field with Republicans who have redistricted mid-decade in states like Texas and Missouri.

Democrats are looking to hold a referendum in April, in which voters will decide if the legislature can temporarily redistrict mid-decade. If voters approve, then that advances the path for a new map to be put in place before November.

However, a local judge recently ruled that the referendum will not be able to occur in time for the November midterms. Virginia Democrats have appealed the ruling.

Maryland is looking to pass a new congressional map favoring Democrats, while Florida is hoping to pass one that will help Republicans.