Democrats are scrambling behind closed doors after suffering a crushing redistricting defeat in Virginia — and some party leaders are now floating an extraordinary proposal involving the state Supreme Court itself.
During a private Saturday discussion involving Hakeem Jeffries and Virginia Democratic lawmakers, party leaders vented frustration over the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a favorable congressional map and debated possible paths forward, according to multiple reports from individuals familiar with the call.
Among the ideas discussed: a dramatic and legally uncertain effort to eventually reshape the court itself in hopes of reviving the invalidated map.
The proposal reportedly centered on lowering the mandatory retirement age for Virginia Supreme Court justices — a move that could potentially create vacancies and alter the makeup of the bench.
The concept reportedly gained traction after a progressive newsletter floated a version of the strategy Friday night.
But even inside the Democratic Party, the idea appeared to generate discomfort and skepticism.
Participants on the call reportedly did not settle on a specific plan, with Jeffries and other lawmakers instead agreeing to consult attorneys before moving forward.
The chaotic discussion reflected what sources described as “desperation and fury” among Democrats after the court invalidated a map that had previously been approved by voters and was expected to benefit the party politically heading into the midterms.
The ruling delivered a major setback in the escalating nationwide redistricting war now unfolding ahead of the 2026 elections.
Republicans have increasingly viewed redistricting battles as one of their best opportunities to protect their razor-thin House majority despite political headwinds tied to President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings and rising gas prices.
After months of legal and political trench warfare between both parties across multiple states, recent court victories have suddenly handed Republicans fresh momentum.
Now Democrats appear divided between mounting campaigns under the existing Virginia map or pursuing aggressive new tactics to regain lost ground.
One option discussed on the call involved trying to flip two or three Republican-held seats despite the unfavorable map.
But the more explosive proposal involving judicial restructuring immediately raised political and legal questions — including whether Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would even entertain the idea.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reacted to the news on X, calling Democrats “anarchists.”
House Democrats started the current mid-decade redistricting battle in NY before the 2024 election. Now that it’s backfired on them, they are pushing a stunning next step: nuke the judicial branch of government and pack the court!
They are anarchists now. https://t.co/HUshYvrXSd
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) May 11, 2026
