Democrats in Virginia think they’ve found a winning message | America, Actually
We went to Virginia to report on redistricting. What we found was a potential new message for Democrats to win over voters.
Gerrymandering is usually treated as an academic problem. In Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, it’s a gut punch for many Democrats. After courts struck down a voter-approved redistricting amendment, grassroots volunteers are facing an uphill battle against voter cynicism.
But now, Democratic candidates are pivoting away from abstract warnings about authoritarianism. Instead, they’re aiming at a new sweet spot: tying political corruption directly to the rising cost of living.
00:00 The midterms map battle
00:51 Ashland, VA: the center of the political universe
02:31 From Republican to Democratic protester: Katie Sitterson’s journey
03:33 Why didn’t defending democracy work in 2024?
04:27 Maps whiplash and morale
09:06 How candidates are responding to gerrymandering
13:21 Linking corruption to affordability
18:01 Candidate forum at Libby Mill
23:12 Candidates pitch reforms
24:33 Takaways
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@khalilshahyd9063
June 6, 2026 at 9:38 pm
The issue is, no one in the Dem leadership leading the response gerrymandering efforts has said that it is wrong, it should be temporary, and once in power Democrats have to commit to deep democratic and electoral reform
They cannot think beyond the existing system. And that's their issue.
@johngaudet7363
June 6, 2026 at 9:38 pm
I noticed most of who showed up to the event were retirees. Because where are the young people? Working, and therefor don't have as much time sadly to be part of these discussions
@joselovelife8636
June 6, 2026 at 9:38 pm
the answer – they arent.
@jusletursoulglobaby
June 6, 2026 at 9:38 pm
the counter to gerrymandering is not to give up. the counter is crafting a platform that rallies everyone regardless of political affiliation. his suggestion tells me – once again the DNC has zero plans to address working people's needs. take note – that guy spewed a crafted DNC manipulative answer. The suggestion that the people do not understand "stocks" and that someone is enriching themselves 1) behaves as if bills have not been presented to congress and immediately voted that that aimed to remove the ability to enrich yourself while in office. it was struck down promptly by BOTH sides. The idea that "democracy" and other things are too meta for people to understand should also tell people – they think you're incapable. One would think given a stance like that the reaction would be to EDUCATE… but that's not the approach. Why? Its interesting to see that beyond trump bad – an actual VISION for the path for the nation still doesnt exist. This… "juxtaposition" strategy has been ineffective for a decade, but each cycle – that's the strategy. Why? Leaning on emotions and frustration – rather than actually having a vision and pathway for relief.. well, the cycle continues. they win – do nothing – then we are back at square one. without any radical vision and plan to correct the damage done and unify people [this extends beyond emotions] – we are all going to be priced out and living in a van down by the river
@jayjya
June 6, 2026 at 9:38 pm
Both party do gerrymandering but republicans do it better. A lot of it could be better if there were more representatives. The fact that the number hasn’t changed in decades is wild.
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