Should both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly secure two-thirds majorities, a proposed redistricting amendment to the state constitution is set to be included on the ballot this November.
Baltimore Sun journalist Mennatalla Ibrahim recently engaged with WTOP to delve into Maryland’s renewed initiative aimed at restructuring its congressional map.
Recent developments suggest that the movement to redraw Maryland’s congressional map is gaining new traction.
According to a report by the Baltimore Sun, leading Democratic figures have discreetly formulated plans to address redistricting during a special session anticipated in mid-July.
If a redistricting proposal garners approval from both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly with three-fifths majorities, it will place an amendment before voters this November. This new congressional map is intended to be implemented ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
This amendment seeks to overturn a 2022 decision made by Senior State Circuit Court Judge Lynne Battaglia, which invalidated a congressional map that was created to favor Democratic candidates, as noted by reporter Mennatalla Ibrahim from The Baltimore Sun.
“It appears that the phrasing of the amendment is still being refined, and it is likely to differ from the proposals we witnessed in last year’s legislative sessions,” Ibrahim shared with WTOP.
Maryland’s Democrats have exhibited a fluctuating relationship with the process of redistricting.
Governor Wes Moore has consistently expressed his desire for the state’s Democrats to advance a redistricting initiative that could potentially displace U.S. Representative Andy Harris, the only Republican in Maryland’s congressional delegation.
Senate President Bill Ferguson previously dismissed an initiative in October 2025 to align with other states in gerrymandering congressional districts but later reconsidered his stance. This shift was influenced by a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a Louisiana congressional map that included two majority-Black districts, Ibrahim noted.
This ruling, Louisiana v. Callais, reduced a provision in the Voting Rights Act that permitted race to be a factor in crafting congressional districts, allowing Republicans more leeway in establishing maps aimed at preserving their control over the U.S. House.
Ferguson’s change of heart regarding gerrymandering may reflect pressure from his constituents, according to Ibrahim. “With an upcoming primary election, it’s clear that there is a sense of urgency among Democrats to act,” she remarked.
The extent of support among Democrats within the General Assembly to pass the referendum and present the redistricting issue to voters in November remains uncertain.
“Even if a special session occurs, it’s questionable whether individuals will be available due to summer commitments or if Democrats will meet the expectations surrounding redistricting,” Ibrahim elaborated. “Senate Democrats are feeling optimistic, but they are still working to finalize a suitable date for all involved.”
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