Virginia Democrats launch redistricting effort as Republicans vow to fight

Democratic lawmakers launched an extraordinary special session of the Virginia General Assembly on Monday to consider a constitutional amendment to redraw the state’s congressional districts, leaving Republicans howling with protest but unable to stop — or, in some cases, understand — what was happening.

Leaders said the move is a blue-state counterpunch to President Donald Trump’s push to create more Republican districts in red states before next year’s midterm elections to help the GOP hold onto its slim U.S. House majority.