Republican legislators expect to release maps today showing how they intend to redraw the boundaries for General Assembly districts. Legislators said there is a chance that portions of Norfolk will be added to districts represented by Portsmouth's two delegates, Democrats Kenneth R. Melvin and Johnny Joannou. If that happens, the number of delegates who are residents of Norfolk is likely to drop from five to three. The General Assembly hopes to adopt a redistricting plan early next week. Population declines in Norfolk have made it inevitable that the city would see its representation in the state legislature decline.
Republican legislators have an interest in retaining three of the five districts.
Thelma S. Drake is the city's only Republican delegate. Republicans also are intent on protecting Norfolk's two black incumbent delegates, Jerrauld C. Jones and William P. Robinson Jr. Federal law prohibits Virginia from reducing its number of black-majority districts unless population declines make it impossible to retain them. In response, Moss filed papers with the State Board of Elections on Friday indicating he intends to seek the Norfolk treasurer's position.