“The districts were compact, consistent with Virginia Supreme Court precedent, and the process to draw compact districts in 2011 was sound. We are grateful that Judge Marchant declined to apply a new legal standard and we are prepared to defend this plan again should his opinion be appealed by Plaintiffs,” Howell said in the statement.

Wyatt Durrette Jr., an attorney for OneVirginia2021, issued a statement saying he was disappointed. But he said aspects of the ruling would limit the ability of the General Assembly to gerrymander in the future.

“So, while we are disappointed that the court did not resolve the case in our favor, Judge Marchant has given those who supported this effort significant help in continuing this battle for redistricting reform,” Durrette said in the statement. “As for where we go from here, it is too early to say for sure but an appeal is most likely.”