Richmond, VA – A heated exchange erupted in the Virginia House of Delegates this week after Democratic Del. Marcia Price claimed that Republican-backed redistricting efforts could “take us so far back that some of us would be in chains.” Her remarks came during floor debate over House Bill 1384, legislation tied to Virginia’s constitutional framework for redistricting.
Price, speaking passionately in support of the bill and its accompanying appropriations, drew sharp attention with her warning against what she described as potential backsliding on civil rights protections. “It is really mind-boggling… that some of us refuse to let others take us so far back that some of us would still be in chains,” Price said from the House floor. “I exuberantly support Bill 1384 and the appropriation that comes with it.”
House Bill 1384 outlines the state’s procedures for redrawing legislative and congressional districts, requiring that all maps be contiguous, compact, and compliant with federal and state laws ensuring racial and ethnic fairness. The legislation references the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Voting Rights Act, which prohibit racial discrimination in the redistricting process.
Price, who represents parts of Newport News, has been a vocal advocate for fair representation and voting access. Her comments appeared to respond to growing partisan tension surrounding potential Republican-led changes to Virginia’s district boundaries. The delegate’s use of the term “chains” drew criticism from several GOP lawmakers who viewed the analogy as inflammatory, while some Democrats defended it as a stark reminder of what is at stake in voting rights and political representation.
Under House Bill 1384, the Commonwealth must undergo reapportionment every ten years, following the U.S. Census. It also allows limited modifications to congressional districts between censuses if another state’s redistricting triggers legal or constitutional ripple effects.
Key Points: Virginia Democrat warns GOP could ‘bring back chains’ in fiery redistricting debate – Richmond
- Del. Marcia Price said during floor debate that Republicans could “take us so far back that some of us would be in chains.”
- Her remarks came in support of House Bill 1384, which governs how Virginia conducts legislative and congressional redistricting.
- The bill requires compliance with the Voting Rights Act and Equal Protection standards to ensure racial and ethnic fairness in new district maps.