Delegate Terry Kilgore Defends Virginia’s Bipartisan Redistricting Tradition Against Mid-Term Changes

Kilgore highlighted the 2020 constitutional amendments, passed by two-thirds of Virginia voters, which established bipartisan independent commissions for drawing legislative and congressional districts. These reforms ended the era of unchecked partisan gerrymandering, ensuring maps reflect voter preferences rather than political maneuvering. ‘We’ve never ever redrawn lines or attempted to redraw lines mid-session,’ Kilgore stated, questioning whether it is worth discarding ‘the Virginia way’ simply because of developments in other states or national politics in Washington, D.C.

The delegate’s remarks come amid Democratic efforts in the General Assembly to revisit the redistricting framework ahead of schedule. Proponents of change argue the commissions have deadlocked in recent cycles, necessitating adjustments to produce fairer maps. However, Kilgore countered that Virginia’s process exemplifies bipartisanship unmatched in many other states, many of which lack similar voter-mandated constitutional safeguards. He pointed to Indiana as an example where lawmakers reconsidered rash actions, urging Virginia delegates to ‘come to your senses’ and prioritize governance over hyper-partisan battles.

Central to Kilgore’s argument is a call to focus on pressing state issues like affordability, which affects families across Virginia from urban centers to rural districts. With inflation squeezing household budgets, high energy costs, and housing shortages plaguing the Commonwealth, he argued that lawmakers should govern their state rather than chase distractions. ‘We’ve got a state to govern. We need to be governing our state, talking about issues that affect our state like affordability,’ Kilgore emphasized.

This stance aligns with broader Republican concerns that premature changes could undermine the 2022 maps drawn by a court-appointed special master after commission impasse, maps that have held up under scrutiny. Attorney General Jason Miyares has opined that such mid-decade alterations violate constitutional requirements for an intervening election, reinforcing Kilgore’s position that voters deserve stability and accountability.

Kilgore’s long tenure—over two decades in the House—lends weight to his advocacy for institutional norms. Representing a district spanning Scott, Wise, and Lee counties, he embodies the rural voice often overshadowed in Richmond debates. His speech underscores a Republican commitment to constitutional fidelity and practical governance, contrasting with accusations of Democratic overreach aimed at securing congressional advantages.

Supporters praise Kilgore’s leadership in resisting what they see as a power grab, especially as national Democrats face pressure to flip House seats. The Loudoun County Republican Committee amplified his message, highlighting its resonance in suburban battlegrounds. As Virginia navigates economic recovery and infrastructure needs, Kilgore’s plea resonates: stick to proven processes and address voter priorities head-on.

Procedural maneuvers, such as snap committee assignments, have drawn ire from Republicans, who view them as sidelining public input. Kilgore’s intervention serves as a rallying cry to preserve the bipartisan commission until the next census in 2030, honoring the 2020 electorate’s clear mandate.

Watch the full remarks via the X post by the author:

https://x.com/LoudounGOP/status/2016240453171945537

Source: Field reports and eyewitness accounts.