Delegates Wiley and Oates Criticize Redistricting Maps, Gun Control Bills in Richmond Update

As the Virginia General Assembly enters a critical phase of the legislative session, Delegates Bill Wiley (R–32nd District) and Delores Oates (R–31st District) are raising concerns about proposed redistricting changes and newly passed gun control measures. Representing communities in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, both lawmakers say recent developments risk diminishing local voices while prioritizing political power plays.

Among their sharpest criticisms is the release of new congressional redistricting maps, backed by the Democratic majority, which were recently sent to the Virginia Supreme Court for review. Under the proposed changes, Fairfax County would significantly expand its footprint across multiple districts—potentially influencing up to five of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats.

“This map screams: Make Virginia NOVA,” said Delores Oates, referring to Northern Virginia’s expanding political dominance. “Pretending that Front Royal and D.C. suburbs have enough shared interests to make fair representation work takes some impressive mental gymnastics.”

Delegate Bill Wiley voiced similar concern, pointing to the newly drawn 7th District as a striking example of gerrymandering. “A district that looks more like a lobster than a community is not what Virginians expect from a transparent redistricting process,” he said.

Both lawmakers argue the maps dilute rural and suburban voices in favor of dense, urbanized areas that already hold considerable sway in Richmond. Wiley called the moment “one of the most troubling” in his time in office.

In addition to redistricting, Wiley and Oates opposed a suite of gun control bills passed by the House of Delegates between February 2–8. The legislation includes bans on commonly owned firearms and magazines, new permit-to-purchase requirements, mandatory waiting periods, expanded gun-free zones, and stricter firearm storage rules.

“These proposals place new burdens on law-abiding Virginians while doing little to address violent crime,” Wiley said. “I opposed these measures and worked to slow their progress, amend harmful language where possible, and ensure that the voices of responsible gun owners in Winchester and Frederick County were heard.”

He added that the legislation reflects a broader shift away from practical governance. “Virginians deserve leaders who put their real-world challenges first,” Wiley said. “Instead of focusing on affordability and practical solutions, the legislature remains consumed by power, control, and ideological priorities.”

Both Wiley and Oats emphasized that economic issues, especially rising energy prices and cost-of-living pressures, remain top concerns in their districts. Wiley noted that his office continues to hear daily from families struggling to manage basic expenses.

The gun bills will now move to the Senate, where Wiley and his colleagues will continue efforts to challenge or amend the proposals. “The legislation that passed the House will crossover to the Senate next week, providing us another opportunity to try and impart some commonsense,” he said.

As debates intensify in Richmond, Oates and Wiley say they will keep pushing for policies that reflect the values and needs of their constituents, fair representation, constitutional rights, and economic relief among them.