A Virginia judge on Sunday denied a bid from the Republican National Committee and state GOP to block a redistricting referendum that saw voters last week approve a constitutional amendment that will let the legislature redraw district lines.

The measure narrowly passed, ushering in a set of maps that heavily favor Democrats. The GOP launched the challenge after the referendum ended, though Richmond Circuit Court Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland declined to block it, The Hill reported.

Thorne-Begland, in the ruling, said that the role of the court was to "decide if those with whom we have entrusted power have exercised that power in conformance with their constitutional mandate. On this question, the Court’s answer is in the affirmative.” 

The decision follows a judge in Tazewell County blocking the certification of the results in a separate challenge. The state Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on the matter on Monday.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.