In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

The best thing Republicans can say for themselves in defense of Virginia’s Tuesday vote to overhaul its congressional map is that the vote was close. With a win margin of only 3 percentage points, the “no” vote on the successful constitutional amendment to redistrict the state performed better than the GOP’s 2025 gubernatorial nominee, Winsome Earle-Sears, and its attorney general nominee, then-incumbent Jason Miyares.