A Republican congressman has introduced legislation that would expand the borders of Washington, D.C., and cost Virginia Democratic voters. The move comes after Virginia voters approved a redistricting referendum that could net Democrats a 10-1 House seat advantage. Georgia Republican Rep. Rich McCormick on Thursday introduced the Make DC Square Again Act. It would undo the 19th century return of the southwestern part of the district to the state of Virginia, known as retrocession. The measure’s prospects are unlikely in a Congress that can barely keep the lights on. But it’s the latest partisan salvo in an effort to gain the upper hand in the closely divided House ahead of this year’s contested midterm elections.
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A person votes in the Virginia redistricting referendum at Lake Braddock Secondary School, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Burke, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
An election worker tears off "I Voted" stickers during the Virginia redistricting referendum at Fairfax Government Center, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Signs are seen outside Fairfax Government Center during the Virginia redistricting referendum, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A person votes in the Virginia redistricting referendum at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
"I Voted" stickers are laid out on a table at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy on election day for the Virginia redistricting referendum, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A person votes in the Virginia redistricting referendum at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A person walks to vote in the Virginia redistricting referendum at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Voting booths are seen at the Culpeper County Voter Registration office during the early voting period for the Virginia redistricting referendum Friday, April 3, 2026, in Culpeper, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Fairfax County Republican Committee members Harry Lowcock and Esmat Mostafaeithe wait to talk voters outside the Fairfax County Government Center during early voting for the Virginia redistricting referendum Friday, April 3, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)