politics
April 10, 2026
US Republicans face backlash over Virginia KKK mailers
Campaign leaflets with images of Klansmen in white hoods have reportedly been sent to Virginia voters urging them to reject redrawing the state’s political map to favor Democrats
TL;DR
- A Republican-aligned group, Democracy and Justice PAC, allegedly sent leaflets featuring Ku Klux Klan imagery to Virginia voters.
- The mailers reportedly target Black voters and urge them to reject a ballot measure to redraw the state's political map.
- Leaflets combine historical racist visuals with messages claiming "they want to silence your voice" and "politicians are trying to take our districts away."
- The referendum on April 21 will determine the drawing of Virginia's electoral districts, potentially affecting congressional election outcomes.
- Black voters are a significant voting bloc in Virginia, a closely contested battleground state.
- Virginia's referendum is part of a national trend of redistricting efforts ahead of the 2026 elections.
- Unlike most states, Virginia is putting the redistricting measure directly to voters via a referendum.
- Former US President Barack Obama has encouraged Virginians to support the measure.
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