Breyer wrote that Reps. Robert J. Wittman, R-1st and Dave Brat, R-7th, whose districts undergo lesser alterations than the 4th, “have not identified any record evidence to support their allegation that the redistricting plan has harmed their prospects of re-election.”

Forbes’ move to run in the 2nd District indicated that he anticipated the ruling. He is vying with Del. Scott Taylor, R-Virginia Beach, and attorney Pat Cardwell for the Republican nomination in the 2nd.

In the 4th District, Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, and Chesapeake City Councilwoman Ella Ward are seeking the Democratic nomination in a June primary. Henrico Sheriff Mike Wade and Jackee Gonzalez of Chesterfield, who has been a grass-roots coordinator for the Family Foundation of Virginia, are seeking the Republican nomination.

“This is a victory for the people of Virginia who deserve to have their votes count and to have a real opportunity to choose their representatives,” McEachin said in a statement.

“It is also a victory because it is ridiculous to think that a congressman or any elected official has standing to bring a suit because he or she thinks he has a ‘right to victory.’ The right to choose their elected officials belongs to the people and that is the most critical conclusion of this case.”