Rapp Dems

A Timeline of the Fight

August 2025 — Texas redraws its map At President Trump's urging, Texas Republicans adopt new boundaries projected to net five additional GOP House seats. Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio follow.

October 31, 2025 — Virginia Dems pass amendment — first time With a newly-won trifecta (Governor Spanberger and expanded legislative majorities), Virginia Democrats approve a constitutional amendment to temporarily allow mid-decade redistricting.

January 16, 2026 — Second passage Virginia requires amendments to pass twice with an election in between. The amendment clears the second hurdle.

February 20, 2026 — New map signed into law Gov. Spanberger signs HB 29, drawing new districts contingent on voter approval. Rappahannock is drawn into the new 11th District.

April 21, 2026 — Voters approve the amendment Statewide: 50.7% YES / 49.3% NO out of 2.5 million ballots. Rappahannock County: 60.7% NO / 39% YES with 60% turnout.

April 22, 2026 — Tazewell judge blocks certification Judge Jack Hurley Jr. rules the referendum unconstitutional. AG Jay Jones immediately files an appeal.

April 27, 2026 — Supreme Court of Virginia hearing Oral arguments in Scott v. McDougle. The outcome determines whether the new map takes effect for the 2026 elections.

How Rappahannock Voted — and Why It Matters

60%

Turnout

60.7%

Voted NO

39%

Voted YES

50.7% Y

Statewide

Here at Home

Our neighbors turned out in force — 60 percent of registered voters cast a ballot on a single-issue April special election. That's remarkable civic engagement in a county of 7,348 people, and it's worth pausing to celebrate the fact that democracy is alive and well on our hills.

The county voted against the amendment by a decisive margin. Many Rappahannock voters — Democrats among them — had real concerns about bypassing the bipartisan commission, even temporarily, even in response to aggressive gerrymandering elsewhere. Those concerns are legitimate. They deserve to be heard, not dismissed.

We don't have to agree on every question to agree on what matters here: honest representation, strong public schools, protected farmland, accessible healthcare, and a neighborly county where people look out for each other. That's the work. That's always been the work.

Rappahannock in the New 11th District

District Stats

VA-11 — D+14 partisan lean. Harris 2024: +14 points. Spanberger 2025: +25 points. Rated Safe Democratic.

The Geography

The new 11th stretches from Fairfax County's Chain Bridge precinct westward through Prince William, Fauquier, Rappahannock, Warren, and into the Shenandoah Valley (Shenandoah County and six precincts in northern Rockingham).

Important Caveat

Until the Virginia Supreme Court rules — likely within weeks — the current map remains in effect. Rappahannock is in the current VA-10, represented by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam. Whatever happens, 2026 turnout here is what matters most.

Meet Your Democrats · 2026

James Walkinshaw — U.S. House, VA-11

Background: Lifelong Virginian. Unity-Reed High School, NYU Politics. Chief of Staff to the late Rep. Gerry Connolly for more than a decade. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 2019. Won a 10-way Democratic firehouse primary in June 2025 with 60%, then won the September 2025 special election by 50 points.

In Congress: The only Democrat on both the House Oversight and Homeland Security Committees. Focused on holding the administration accountable, protecting federal workers, defending the rule of law.

The Primary: Faces Bree Fram (former Space Force colonel), State Sen. Stella Pekarsky, and Amy Roma in the August 4 Democratic primary. Early voting begins June 18.

Mark Warner — U.S. Senate

Background: George Washington University. Technology and venture capital career before politics. Governor of Virginia 2002–2006. U.S. Senator since 2009. Three-term incumbent seeking a fourth. Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

In the Senate: Bipartisan Save Struggling Hospitals Act (with Sen. Marsha Blackburn) reforming rural hospital reimbursement. Consistent oversight of the Trump administration's treatment of the intelligence community.

The Race: 54%–29% job approval among Virginians. UVA Center for Politics rates it likely Democratic hold.

Key Dates & Where to Vote

Primary Day

Aug 4, 2026

General Election

Nov 3, 2026

Early Voting

June 18 – Aug 1

Early Voting

Sept 18 – Oct 31

Rappahannock County General Registrar

Kimberly McKiernan, VREO, CGRV, CERA

262A Gay Street, Washington, VA 22747\nPhone: (540) 675-5380 | Email: vote@rappahannockcountyva.gov\n Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM\n Voter Lookup: vote.elections.virginia.gov

How to Help Between Now and November

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Join the RCDC

Suggested annual dues $25. Fill out the membership form at rappdems.org. Members vote on officers and help set direction. Join us as we organize for the August 4 primary and November 3 general election.

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Come to a Meeting

Second Saturday of every month. Washington Town Hall. Coffee at 9:30, meeting at 10:00. Our first post-referendum gathering is May 10 — come be heard. All are welcome!

highby Aug 4

Phone Bank for August

Primary season turns up the heat in June. Contact the RCDC to join a phone banking session — we work with Virginia Coordinated Campaign to reach voters ahead of the August 4 Democratic primary.

highby Nov 3

Drive Voters to the Polls

Rural Rappahannock means many neighbors need a ride on Election Day. Volunteer as a driver for the August 4 primary and November 3 general election. Contact chair@rappdems.org to sign up.

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Talk to Your Neighbors

The most important conversations are the ones over coffee, in line at the post office, at the Farmer's Market. Honest, patient, local — that's how we make the case one good conversation at a time.

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Chip In

RCDC runs on dues and donations. A $25 or $100 contribution funds yard signs, mailers, and our share of the district organizing effort. Every dollar stays local.