Virginia Democrats Retain Hope

Democrats in Virginia lost their bid to reshape the state's congressional map, but both parties still see the state as a key battleground for control of the US House in November. And Democrats haven't lost hope. Despite the party's setbacks, strategists and independent observers say several districts remain competitive, the Washington Post reports, especially given President Trump's weakening approval ratings and typical midterm patterns that can punish the president's party. "We have a chance to pick up one or two seats—perhaps three—and we can hold on to the six seats we have in Virginia," said Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam.

Virginia voters backed a new map last month that analysts said would have favored Democrats in 10 of the state's 11 House districts. The state Supreme Court struck down that map earlier this month, and the US Supreme Court on Friday declined to intervene, leaving the existing lines in place. The current districts produced a 6-5 split in favor of Democrats in the last election. Subramanyam conceded that, without the more favorable map, his party will have to campaign more aggressively. Republican Party of Virginia Chair Jeff Ryer said political conditions could shift before November, contending that volatility could help the GOP. The Post breaks down Virginia's House races here, including the one in which the leading Democrat is Beth Macy, author of Dopesick.