The Virginia Supreme Court on Tuesday denied a motion from state Attorney General Jay Jones to lift a stay on the certification of the state's redistricting referendum result.

The decision follows a Tazewell County Circuit court blocking certification while legal challenges to the referendum persist. The referendum faces multiple challenges and a separate court blocked a GOP-driven challenge earlier this week.

Tuesday's move means the referendum will remain un-certified until the Supreme Court issues a ruling on its overall constitutionality.

Virginia voters narrowly approved the referendum, which paves the wave for a slate of congressional maps set to heavily favor the incumbent Democratic Party.

Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli described the ruling a positive sign for opponents, noting it suggests that the court may ultimately strike down the measure.
 

A final decision could preserve the state’s current 6-5 Democratic congressional map and prevent a potential shift to a 10-1 Democratic advantage.

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