The Virginia Supreme Court’s decision to block a Democratic redistricting attempt hinged on technicalities around what constitutes an “election.” CNN’s Word of the Week explores the ruling.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) confirmed that Virginia would use its current congressional map, drawn in 2021, rather than the Democratic-drawn map from the April referendum, in this year’s midterm elections.

Several states have now passed new congressional maps mid-decade ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with more on track to join. The efforts began when President Donald Trump urged Texas to redraw its maps last year to flip up to five districts currently held by Democrats to gain Republican representatives in the U.

Virginia Democrats' redistricting strategy backfired after a court struck down new maps, triggering infighting and costing roughly $70 million in losses.