Overview
- State Sen. Chris Rose introduced a resolution Thursday inviting 27 Virginia counties and three in Maryland to move into West Virginia.
- Rose said the targeted counties share Appalachian ties, rural lifestyles, and a focus on individual liberties, while some residents object to policies on gun rights, economic development, and rural representation.
- The resolution acknowledges that any boundary change would require consent from the Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia legislatures followed by approval from the U.S. Congress.
- Rose said copies were sent to Governors Glenn Youngkin and Wes Moore, legislative leaders, the 30 county commissions, and West Virginia’s congressional delegation to encourage discussion.
- The move follows Virginia’s election of Democrat Abigail Spanberger and revives prior cross-border overtures, with coverage noting long-shot odds given Congress has approved boundary shifts only three times in U.S. history.