⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

Virginia Republican committees are fighting over how they choose candidates. Their rules limit their nominating processes to party supporters, but Virginia's state-run primaries are open to other qualified voters. A newer provision protects certain voters who cannot attend nominating meetings. The committees say its uncertain requirements effectively force them into open primaries, risking their ability to keep nonmembers out and to place a nominee on the ballot. They sued state election officials and the Department of Elections. The district court dismissed the case because the complaint did not establish standing or a dispute ripe for decision; it did not decide the constitutional merits. We hear their appeal in the Fourth Circuit on September 15, 2026. Jeffrey Adams will argue that the law already chills their choices and that review should not wait until an election is underway.

5th Congressional District Republican Committee v. John O'Bannon (No. 26-1000) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, argued September 15, 2026.