The General Assembly continues its work as we approach the key Crossover date. On Crossover, each chamber must complete their work on legislation originating in their chamber. The exception to this rule is the state budget, which will be debated about a week after Crossover. As such, committees are incredibly busy reviewing legislation so that it can make it to the House floor in time for a vote. Crossover is Wednesday, February 18th.
In this week’s update, I am providing an additional update on the redistricting saga along with information on gun control legislation. I hope that you continue to find these weekly emails useful.
Redistricting Update
One of the top items of discussion in Richmond—and across the Commonwealth—continues to be redistricting. Proposed maps (pictured below) were released on Friday. It is hard to claim these maps are anything but an extreme partisan gerrymander.
You may be aware that current state law prohibits the drawing of districts to benefit one party over another. This law was adopted in 2020 as, at the time, some Democrats were concerned that the Virginia Redistricting Commission would draw a map that overly favored Republicans. But fast forward to 2026 and Democrats in Richmond have slipped a provision into budget language that overrides this law so that they can gerrymander congressional districts.
There is also a concern that the maps proposed by Democrats were drawn to favor specific candidates. That is wrong, and significantly hampers the ability of voters to choose their representatives.
Here’s where I stand on this issue: I oppose gerrymandering and mid-decade redistricting here in Virginia. And while my position as your Delegate gives me no influence over what other states may or may not do, I likewise oppose redistricting actions being taken across the nation.
As a point of clarification and to address a repeated question I have received: this proposal would only impact federal congressional districts. Districts for the House of Delegates and the State Senate are not impacted.
This entire matter is before the Supreme Court of Virginia. A ruling is expected soon. I will continue to update you on this as new information becomes available.
Gun Control
Last week I provided you with an update on taxes, one of the more hotly debated issues at the Capitol. Another matter in which I am receiving a large amount of feedback is gun control. Overwhelmingly, constituents in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights oppose additional gun laws.
This year, a number of bills aimed at curtailing the Second Amendment rights of Virginians have been introduced. This includes legislation to limit magazine capacity, restrict the sale of certain types of firearms, make manufacturers civilly liable for gun crimes, and more.
As a number of bills were being debated, one common theme I picked up on was constitutionality. In many cases, Republicans cited legal precedent noting that the legislation under consideration was unconstitutional. Why would the General Assembly want to pass unconstitutional legislation? I oppose any efforts to violate the constitutional rights of law abiding citizens.
I understand there are many strong feelings surrounding firearms and gun control. I come down on the side of law abiding citizens. How do we curtail gun violence? Prosecutors must play their proper role by aggressively going after individuals who use firearms in the commission of crimes. State law already comes down hard on gun crimes.
Visitors to the Capitol
With the ice mostly melted, visitors were back in force at the Capitol this week. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to discuss issues like public safety, healthcare, transportation, and more!
As a reminder, my office is here to assist you with any problems you may face with a state government agency. Please reach out by phone or email so that we can help. If you have a federal or local matter, I will be happy to put you in touch with the right contacts.
I hope you found this week’s update informative. As always, it remains an honor to represent Colonial Heights and Chesterfield in the House of Delegates.
Sincerely,
Mike Cherry