Maryland’s Redistricting Advisory Commission has recommended a new congressional map that would remove the state’s lone GOP-controlled district. The district, currently represented by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), would shift more favorable to Democrats.
Maryland’s congressional delegation consists of seven Democrats and one Republican in the House of Representatives.
The commission’s proposal now heads to Maryland’s Democratic-controlled Legislature, where its future is uncertain due to opposition from the state Senate. Senate President Bill Ferguson has repeatedly stated that the Democratic caucus will not support a redrawn map, arguing it would be legally risky and could backfire politically. Ferguson sharply criticized the commission’s map on Tuesday, claiming it “is objectively unconstitutional and jeopardizes Maryland’s existing map.”
“The Governor’s Commission recommended a map today that is objectively unconstitutional and jeopardizes Maryland’s existing map,” Ferguson said in a statement. “From the outset, the Senate’s position has been consistent: in this important moment, Maryland cannot risk going backwards by giving the Trump Administration another seat or two in Congress from Maryland’s delegation.”
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) stated that the state must ensure its congressional delegation reflects the will of the people and protects representation for historically underrepresented communities. She added that the vote is “not the end of public input,” encouraging Marylanders to review the proposed map concept and share feedback as it moves before the General Assembly.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) spearheaded the redistricting commission late last year following GOP-led redistricting efforts in Texas and a Democrat-friendly response in California that intensified national redistricting debates.
