Two opposing events will be held in Alexandria this week ahead of the April 21 statewide referendum on redrawing congressional maps.
Virginia Democrats have been pursuing the mid-decade redistricting in response to similar actions in states across the country to gain party control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. A recent Washington Post-Schar School poll shows 52% of likely Virginia voters favoring redistricting. Even if redistricting advances in Alexandria, the city would remain within the 8th Congressional District.
The first event — opposing redistricting — will be held at the Conservative Political Action Conference‘s (CPAC) headquarters at 515 King Street in Old Town on Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m.
It will be followed by The People’s Map Tour at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) on Saturday, April 11, from 4-6 p.m.
More from CPAC on the event:
Speakers will outline how the redistricting will result in the most gerrymandered congressional map. The Democrats’ amendment would forcefully overturn the bipartisan redistricting commission approved by 65.7% of Virginia voters in 2020 and concentrate power in the hands of a few partisan politicians while eliminating fair representation for minority, rural, independent, and conservative voters, overriding the will of the people at the ballot box. They will also highlight how the proposed maps could significantly alter congressional representation, potentially shifting Virginia’s current delegation from a near-even split to a heavily one-sided outcome.
The CPAC event will feature:
- CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp and his wife, CPAC fellow Mercedes Schlapp
- Jo-Ann Chase, chair of the Republican Hispanic Assembly of Virginia
- Associate pastor Jonathan Avendano of Iglesia Maná del Cielo
- Astrid Gamez, founder and executive director of Family Services Network
- Katie Gorka, chair of the Fairfax County GOP
- Hannah Lape, a legislative strategist for Concerned Women of America
- Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition
- Joshua Raimundo, representative from Youth Church
- Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega
The People’s Map Tour event is billed as a “conversation shaping equitable representation across Northern Virginia.”
While speakers at the event haven’t been announced, participating partners include:
In addition, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) will canvass with the Alexandria Democratic Committee on April 19 in a final push before the referendum.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy — and right now, they’re under attack,” the Alexandria Democratic Committee said in an event posting. “Across the country, politicians are rigging congressional maps, and this Spring, Virginians have the chance to level the playing field.”
The April 21 special election on the redistricting referendum will also coincide with a City Council special election.
