GOP Lawmaker Uses 19th-Century D.C. Map After Virginia Redistricting

After Virginia redistricting, a GOP lawmaker turns to 19th century DC map Following the approval of a mid-decade redistricting referendum in Virginia that could boost Democratic chances in upcoming elections, Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to reverse a historical boundary change affecting the nation’s capital. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) introduced the Make DC Square Again Act on April 22, 2026, seeking to undo the 1846 retrocession of Arlington County and the City of Alexandria from the District of Columbia to Virginia. The bill aims to restore DC’s original boundaries established by the Residence Act of 1790, which created a federal district “not exceeding ten miles square” as specified in Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution, commonly known as the Enclave Clause. McCormick argues that Congress lacked constitutional authority to cede territory back to state governments when it approved the 1846 retrocession. “The Constitution never authorized Congress to carve pieces out of the federal District and hand them back to a state,” McCormick stated in announcing the legislation. According to McCormick’s office, the retroceded areas of Arlington and Alexandria contribute approximately 250,000 DC votes in Virginia statewide elections that, under the proposed change, would instead belong to Washington DC. The lawmaker contends that without these voters, Virginia would have a substantial Republican majority, whereas the current redistricting map favors Democratic candidates in 10 of Virginia’s 11 congressional districts. The current District of Columbia spans approximately 68 square miles, significantly less than its original 100-square-mile footprint. Reintegrating Arlington and Alexandria would expand the district’s area and reshape its geography closer to a square, inspiring the bill’s name. McCormick’s legislation states that property rights for residents would remain unaffected and that any ongoing criminal or civil proceedings in Virginia courts could continue to their conclusion without disruption. The transfer of jurisdiction would occur at the start of the first fiscal year following enactment of the bill. The proposal comes amid heightened political activity in Virginia following voter approval of a redistricting plan that Democrats say ensures fair representation but Republicans characterize as partisan gerrymandering that could net Democrats up to four additional U.S. House seats in the November 2026 elections.