Key facts
- Maryland will hold a special legislative session in August.
- The session aims to set up the process for congressional redistricting ahead of the 2028 elections.
- Lawmakers will consider a state constitutional amendment to allow partisan, mid-decade changes to the congressional map.
- If passed by the legislature, the amendment could be put to a statewide vote in November.
- Governor Wes Moore expressed support for the legislative action to ensure fair representation.
Maryland is planning to hold a special legislative session in August to begin the process of redrawing its congressional district lines for the 2028 elections. The session's primary focus will be a vote on a state constitutional amendment that could enable partisan, mid-decade adjustments to the state's congressional map.
If the proposed amendment successfully passes both the state Senate and the House of Delegates, it could be presented to voters for approval in the November election. Should voters endorse the amendment, state lawmakers would then be empowered to redraw the congressional district lines in anticipation of the 2028 elections.
Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, stated his intention to collaborate with the General Assembly on legislation aimed at safeguarding voters and ensuring fair representation. He emphasized the need for action amid national concerns about voting rights and democratic foundations. Moore acknowledged the General Assembly's ongoing discussions and their agreement to reconvene to finalize this work.
This proposed pathway represents a less aggressive approach than some Maryland Democrats had advocated for earlier in the year. High-profile party leaders, including U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, had pushed for the state to redraw its congressional lines in time for the 2026 midterm elections. Governor Moore and Senate President Bill Ferguson had previously disagreed on the timing of redistricting, with Ferguson expressing concerns that an early redrawing might conflict with the state Constitution and risk being invalidated by the state Supreme Court.