Maryland’s General Assembly convened a special session to debate a proposed constitutional amendment regarding congressional redistricting. The measure, if approved by a three-fifths vote in both chambers, would advance to voters in the November 3 general election. Should voters approve it, lawmakers could reconsider congressional district maps for the 2028 election cycle.
The amendment aims to clarify that certain constitutional parameters — including district compactness and regard for natural boundaries — apply only to state legislative districts, not congressional ones. This distinction stems from a 2022 court ruling that struck down Maryland’s previous attempt to reconfigure congressional maps, with the judge characterizing the effort as “extreme partisan gerrymandering.” Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson previously blocked a different redistricting initiative earlier in the year, expressing concern about potential judicial review. However, he stated his position shifted following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in late April that weakened the Voting Rights Act, citing what he characterized as troubling Republican redistricting efforts in Southern states.
Maryland’s sole Republican House member, Rep. Andy Harris of the 1st District, opposed the move. Harris argued the amendment would enable gerrymandering that breaks up areas of common interest and would disenfranchise rural voters, saying such an approach would “of course” face legal challenge. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel raised procedural objections, criticizing limitations on witness testimony during the special session.
Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, framed the proposal as a necessary response to Republican redistricting actions elsewhere. He emphasized that voters, not “party bosses,” would make the final determination on whether to proceed with new maps.
Maryland’s effort is part of a broader national redistricting battle. Democrats have launched counteroffensives in states including California and Utah, while New York’s Democratic-led Legislature approved a similar constitutional amendment proposal regarding mid-decade redistricting, with additional legislative approval required before it reaches voters.
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