RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia judge ruled Tuesday that a proposed constitutional amendment allowing Democrats to redraw the state’s Congressional maps was illegal, potentially foiling their efforts to pick up seats in the U.S. House in November. Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. struck down the legislature’s actions on three grounds: lawmakers failed to follow procedural rules for adding the redistricting amendment to a special session; they did not approve the amendment before the public voted in last year’s general election; and they failed to publish the amendment three months prior to the election, as required by law. As a result, he declared that the amendment is invalid and void. Virginians for Fair Elections, a campaign supporting the redistricting resolution, stated that they expect to appeal the decision. Campaign manager Keren Charles Dongo criticized Republicans for seeking favorable rulings through litigation, claiming that misinformation is their only remaining tool. She emphasized the need for Virginians to have the opportunity to vote and to ensure fair representation. Nationally, the redistricting precedence has so far led to increased opportunities for Republicans in states like Texas and Missouri, while Democrats are optimistic about gains in California and Utah. The outcome of redistricting remains uncertain in several states, including Virginia, as legal challenges are ongoing.}