Former Virginia Governor George Allen has challenged current Governor Abigail Spanberger to a public debate concerning the April 21 referendum on redrawing the state’s congressional districts.

Redistricting Referendum at Stake

The referendum, supported by Spanberger and Virginia Democrats, aims to redraw congressional districts in a way that could significantly reduce Republican representation in the state. It is expected to remove all but one GOP congressman from office.

Allen Calls for Transparent Discussion

Governor Allen, who served as Virginia’s governor from 1994 to 1998, stated, “Virginia voters expect a robust and transparent discussion of the issues.” He formally invited Spanberger to a series of public debates to discuss the merits of the referendum. Allen expressed his willingness to discuss his opposition to gerrymandering.

Allen criticized the amount of money spent on political advertising surrounding the referendum, stating that $28 million has been used on commercials that are “at best misleading and designed to confuse voters.” He believes Virginians deserve an “honest and transparent discussion.”

No Gerrymandering Virginia Supports Challenge

The group No Gerrymandering Virginia, spearheaded by a bipartisan group of former lawmakers including Allen, also sent a letter to Spanberger’s office requesting a debate. The letter emphasized the importance of a clear debate before voters cast their ballots.

“If you’re confident that your ideas and your candidates are so great, then you ought not fear the people,” Allen told a Richmond NBC affiliate. He also shared that his personal experience with gerrymandering – having his own congressional district redrawn in the early 1990s – fueled his commitment to fair representation.

Concerns Over Mid-Decade Gerrymandering

No Gerrymandering Virginia’s letter described the April 21 vote as a “consequential moment for Virginia,” questioning whether the state will uphold its commitment to fair representation or adopt a mid-decade gerrymandering approach. Allen previously stated that gerrymandering is wrong regardless of which party engages in it, citing examples in Texas, California, and North Carolina.

Allen is joined in his efforts by former Virginia House Speaker William Howell, former State Senator Chap Peterson, and ex-Delegate William Fralin. Other former Virginia officials, including Glenn Youngkin and Jason Miyares, have also voiced opposition to the redistricting push.

Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Spanberger for comment. She has previously defended the referendum as a “temporary” measure while maintaining her support for the 2020 amendment establishing the current redistricting process.