Virginia Democrats are setting the stage for a critical redistricting campaign as they hold their first legislative session since securing control in the recent elections. The party faces a division between those pushing for aggressive redistricting to potentially secure 10 out of 11 congressional seats and others advocating for a more measured approach to counteract Republican gerrymanders in other states.

With a current split of six Democrats to five Republicans in Virginia's congressional delegation, the proposed redraw could shift the balance significantly. However, concerns about the forthcoming Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act looms, potentially impacting seat distributions favorably for the GOP across various states.

"This is about fairness on a national scale, not just Virginia," said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), highlighting the broader implications amidst the redistricting efforts.

The National Democratic Redistricting Commission has laid out two potential maps. One could lead to a 9-2 split, providing some protection to GOP-held districts, while the other could result in a dominating 10-1 advantage for Democrats, a move that could reshape Virginia's political landscape dramatically.

The aggressive redistricting strategy is fueled by a desire to counteract similar maneuvers by Republicans in other states, as noted by NDRC President John Bisognano. He pointed out the ongoing influence of Donald Trump in the redistricting battles, which Democrats aim to counterbalance with their new proposals.

Concerns are also rising about the timeline and the political capital required to push through such significant changes. "It’s going to be a tremendous amount of work to pass this," expressed an anonymous Virginia Democrat, emphasizing the urgency and effort needed to mobilize support for a potential special election in April.

However, resistance is strong, with top Republican figures like State Sen. Ryan McDougle criticizing the move as a step back to partisan gerrymandering, which could undermine previous efforts to maintain fair districting through a bipartisan commission established by a constitutional amendment just five years ago.

As the legislative session begins, all eyes are on how Democratic leaders like Virginia state Senate President Pro Tem L. Louise Lucas and House Speaker Don Scott will navigate these contentious waters. With the incoming Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger also in the spotlight, Virginia’s political future hangs in the balance, awaiting decisions that could redefine congressional representation significantly in the coming years.