It's Been A Good Week In Virginia

Wins for democracy and for moms

You may have already heard about the important election in Virginia this week. Voters tackled GOP gerrymandering by approving new voting maps that could win Democrats an extra four seats in November.

Virginia will revert to its old system after the census in 2030, but for now, it’s an important emergency measure to balance out Republican gerrymandering in states like Texas.

Now, does it feel a little weird to fight gerrymandering with… more gerrymandering? Yes. Obviously, in a perfect world, we’d prefer no biased redistricting at all!

But Democrats in Congress have tried to pass bills banning gerrymandering from both parties, with no support from the other side of the aisle. In fact, five years ago, there was a bill called the For The People Act that would’ve ended congressional gerrymandering — and exactly zero Republicans voted for it.

Last Tuesday, Virginians took matters into their own hands and voted Yes on the proposal for Democrats to redraw their maps. It was a complicated issue with very confusing messaging (on both sides), and Red Wine & Blue members worked hard to make sure their neighbors and friends could understand the amendment and get to the polls.

Of course, the amendment is already being challenged in court, but VA Attorney General Jay Jones remains hopeful. “Virginia voters have spoken,” he said on Wednesday. “We look forward to defending the outcome of last night's election in court."

Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger made history for maternal health by signing a “Momnibus” bill that will help protect moms and families across the state.

As she held adorable two-month-old Breydan, Governor Spanberger signed bills to expand mental health screenings of new parents and require health insurance companies to cover maternal mental health screenings.

Alexis Patterson, Breydan’s mom and a doula with Birth In Color, was grateful to be part of the moment. “I’m excited to see the Momnibus bills be signed, not just as a doula, but as someone who has needed some of these services,” she said.

This is what’s possible when Democratic women lead!