Redistricting Plan Could Shift Fort Hunt Into New Senate District

Parts of Fort Hunt could shift into a new state senate district if redistricting legislation submitted by Virginia Senate Democrats passes.

Both chambers released redistricting plans ahead of this week’s special session, when lawmakers will redraw the boundaries of state legislative districts.

Under the senate proposal the 30th district would expand south into Lee district to include parts of Telegraph Road and along the into eastern edge of the county along the George Washington Parkway and Potomac River.

Fort Hunt regions that are south of Carl Sandburg Middle School along Fort Hunt road would become part of the 30th senate district, while regions that are north of Fort Hunt road would stay in the 36th senate district.  The 30th district would also expand to include the Mount Vernon estate.

The boundary changes in the state senate would mean that Fort Hunt residents in the new 30th district would vote in the wide-open state senate race, after Senator Patsy Ticer’s (D-30) retirement later this year.

Under the Republican-controlled House plan Fort Hunt would remain in the 44th district.

The General Assembly will debate the proposals in special session beginning on Monday. Once both chambers agree on a plan, it is sent to Governor Bob McDonnell for approval. 

Virginia is one of the 11 southern states covered under the 1965 Voting Rights legislation, which means the U.S. Department of Justice has to review and approve the plan as well. The Justice Department tries to insure that minorities are treated fairly in the state's redistricting plan.

Redistricting happens every ten years to accommodate changes in population growth.  Senate districts are aiming for 200,026 residents, while the House of Delegates is looking to have 80,000 people in its districts.

Brian Krebs contributed reporting.