Here’s what to know about the groups shaping the Virginia redistricting referendum

Tens of millions of dollars are being funneled into different sides of a high-profile redistricting referendum in Virginia as voters consider a new congressional map that could net Democrats as many as four seats ahead of the November midterm elections. 

The state is holding a referendum on Tuesday, where Democratic lawmakers are asking voters if they can temporarily pass a new House map before 2030, which would give the party a 10-1 edge in the state’s congressional delegation. Virginia currently has a 6-5 Democratic edge.

Yet, little is known publicly about the majority of the contributions driving the “yes” and “no” campaigns because most donations are coming from dark money groups who don’t have to disclose their donors.

The stakes of the Virginia election are big: If voters pass the Democratic gerrymander, it would give Democrats a handful of seats to pick up in the fall.  

Republicans, who have sought to redistrict mid-cycle in states like Texas and Missouri, see a Florida special session later this month as their best last chance to net seats on their side as the two parties battle for control over the House. 

Here’s what to know about the groups driving this Virginia referendum:

Much of this is fueled by dark money groups

Dark money groups, which are generally registered as 501(c)(4) groups that don’t have to disclose the nature of their funders, are largely fueling the campaigns for and against the Virginia redistricting referendum. 

Virginians for Fair Elections, the campaign supporting the ballot measure, has raised nearly $65 million according to the latest figures available on Friday — the most out of any of the groups organizing for or against the redistricting ballot measure. 

The Fairness Project, based in Washington, D.C., has given over $10 million for the effort. On the........

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