Virginia Supreme Court strikes down Democratic-drawn congressional map

Virginia's Supreme Court has struck down a new congressional map that was drawn by Democrats and approved by voters in a referendum. The court ruled that the map was unconstitutional because it split too many counties and cities, giving Republicans a win in the ongoing redistricting battle.

The decision blocks a plan that Democrats had hoped would help them win up to four more U.S. House seats in the state. The ruling is seen as a blow to Democrats' efforts to counter Republican gains in Virginia and nationally, especially as the state has become more competitive in recent elections.