Follow WTOP’s team coverage of the 2026 Virginia redistricting referendum online, on air at 103.5 FM or on the WTOP News app.

Tuesday’s special election in Virginia has drawn national attention as both parties look for any edge in the battle for control of the U.S. House.

The statewide referendum asks voters whether the General Assembly should redraw the state’s congressional districts ahead of this fall’s midterms.

Democrats argue they’re simply responding to similar mid-decade redistricting efforts in several Republican led states.

If the proposed amendment passes and survives legal challenges, Democrats could gain an advantage in as many as 10 of the state’s 11 seats in the House.

Republicans have called it an unconstitutional and unfair power grab. Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin called the amendment’s wording “misleading” in a recent interview with WTOP.

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has joined fellow Democrats in pressing voters to support the newly redrawn maps.

WTOP anchor Nick Iannelli spoke with Jeffries ahead of Tuesday’s special election.

Read and listen to the interview below:

The following transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.