The Virginia state General Assembly is close to passing Republican-crafted redistricting plans that create new GOP seats in Northern Virginia and eliminate seats held by women legislators. The plan draws new boundaries for 100 House and 40 Senate districts, and combines the seats of many female Senators and Delegates, including Senators Leslie Byrne (D-Fairfax) and Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington). Until 1980, no women were represented in the Virginia General Assembly. That number has grown, and now, Senator Byrne says, Republicans are purposefully trying to halt that growth through “gender gerrymandering.” The redistricting map awaits final votes today and early next week.
Uncategorized
