It’s been a rocky road for Virginia Democrats this year, certainly more rocky than what was expected after last year’s sweeping electoral victory. The redistricting amendment that turned the Commonwealth upside down earlier this year certainly contributed to Democratic chaos. Ironically, it may be three more constitutional amendments this fall that offer those same Virginia Democrats a chance for a reset.
Virginia voters could be forgiven for being wary of constitutional amendments. This spring’s rushed effort to modify the Constitution of Virginia to allow Democrats in the General Assembly to redraw district lines was only narrowly approved by voters and then scuttled by the state’s Supreme Court. Even voters who supported the amendment recognized it for what it was: a distasteful gerrymandering effort, only justified – if you bought the argument – because of efforts by Republicans in other states to do the same. It was dirty politics, even if it felt necessary for many.
The effects of the amendment’s failure on our elections will only be fully felt in November. But the fallout for Virginia Democrats can already be seen in declining poll numbers for Governor Spanberger. Polls aren’t everything, but new Governors typically enjoy a honeymoon period, with good vibes from the election carrying through the first few months of their administration. There’s been no such honeymoon for Spanberger.
There are plenty of reasons why some Virginians who voted for the Governor may have soured on her already, including the protracted Democratic infighting over the budget. But certainly the energy and attention paid to district lines – and not the affordability agenda on which Spanberger campaigned and surely was elected – has to have made an impact. At least in hindsight, the redistricting amendment seems to have been a bad gamble for Democrats.
Still, they have another hand to play, one that reflects some foresight. Because of the arcane structure of Virginia’s amendment process, any constitutional changes for 2026 first had to be passed by the General Assembly back in 2025, and then again during the 2026 session, before ballot placement for this November.
Democrats have completed this process for three amendments, on three issues –support for reproductive rights, a commitment to marriage equality, and automatic restoration of voting rights for returning citizens. These are all issues on which the public have demonstrated that they are largely on the Democratic side, especially here in the Commonwealth. While these amendments are mostly symbolic, their supporters warn that they may still be necessary, as all of these rights are currently threatened by forces in Washington, either in the Trump administration or the increasingly reactionary U.S. Supreme Court.
On each of these issues, the Democrats have an opportunity to highlight their party’s longstanding commitments to equality and expansion of rights, especially for beleaguered minorities. At the same time, they can point to the clear differences on these issues between them and the other guys – and their increasingly unpopular President.
Ironically, Republicans may give their rivals a helping hand. Last year’s gubernatorial candidate, Winsome Earle Sears, recently announced a tour of the Commonwealth in opposition to the reproductive and gay rights amendments. (Republicans wisely seem to be staying away from the voter rights amendment which, in my view, has no coherent argument against it.)
A barnstorming tour while engaging in retail politics is actually a good use of Sears’ political talents, which were largely buried by her otherwise lackluster campaign last year. Still, she is maybe not the best choice to represent the Republicans on these issues, especially since she was easily painted as extreme, even Trumpian, during last year’s campaign. As even some members of the Republican Party seem to tire of the President, a mini-Trump like Sears might only drive more energy and turnout on the Democratic side of these amendment issues.
All three amendments will almost certainly be approved by voters. The key question is by what margin, as deploying these issues might help drive turnout for Democrats’ Congressional candidates in ways that deliver even more seats than we might expect. No matter the turnout effects, the three ballot issues together can act as a palate cleanser for Virginians dismayed by the Democrats’ foray into gerrymandering, not to mention their budget battles.
Now that the budget dust has settled, General Assembly Democrats and the Governor want to play nice. But they still have a lot to sort out, including how to handle the data centers that are an important part of the state’s tax revenue while becoming increasingly unpopular.
Ahead of those challenging times, it’s good politics to change the subject to key issues that are political winners here in Virginia. Even with the failure of redistricting, constitutional amendments may turn out to be a net plus for Virginia Democrats in 2026.
RICHARD J. MEAGHER is Professor of Political Science and Director of Social Entrepreneurship at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.
