RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — Virginia lawmakers will be returning to Richmond on Monday for a special session called by the Speaker of the House. 

Don Scott sent a letter to House members yesterday but did not provide any details about what would be discussed. 

The announcement sparked speculation that Scott wants to explore changing the state’s congressional districts in an attempt to gain more Democratic seats in next year’s elections. 

Any attempt to redistrict before next November would require a vote this year, another early next year, and a statewide referendum in the spring. 

Delegate Tony Wilt issued the following statement after the announcement:

“We’re being called back to Richmond on Monday, just one week before the election, and all indications are that the Democrat majority intends to ram through a partisan redistricting scheme.

“Just a few years ago, both parties agreed to a transparent process that produced fair and reasonable
legislative maps by many independent accounts. Neither party was completely satisfied with the outcome, which likely means it was fair. Virginia voters overwhelmingly approved this process through the ballot initiative, by 65.7%. Now, Democrats are prepared to renege on that agreement in pursuit of their own political advantage, following the marching orders of Washington Democrats who continue to hold our federal government hostage, even refusing yesterday to allow pay for essential federal workers and our military amid the ongoing Democrat shutdown.

“Virginians should be clear-eyed: this isn’t about serving the people; it’s about protecting and increasing the power of the Democratic Party. If they proceed, this is a partisan power grab, plain and simple.

“Beyond redistricting, it’s apparent Democrats are also using this special session to sideline the Republican nominee for Governor, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Republican members in competitive House districts – pulling them off the campaign trail in the critical final days before the election.

“Finally, Democrats are desperate to change the narrative. They want to distract voters and deflect accountability from their Attorney General candidate, who advocated violence against his colleagues’ children and is now under investigation by a special prosecutor.”

The House is set to meet on Monday at 4 p.m.