- Governor Wes Moore backed the Redistricting Advisory Commission’s vote, claiming it was conducted transparently.
- Senate President Bill Ferguson and other advocates criticized the closed, unannounced meeting, stating it had predetermined outcomes.
- The League of Women Voters of Maryland expressed concerns regarding the lack of public input and transparency in the process.
- The commission intends to unveil draft maps after Christmas and is planning subsequent public feedback sessions.
Governor Wes Moore defended his Redistricting Advisory Commission’s vote from Thursday evening, describing it as “above-board,” in response to criticisms from a commission member and various members of the public who felt that transparency was lacking.
“None of the commissioners believe this was a preordained process. They have dedicated countless hours over the past weeks to engaging with the residents of Maryland. It has not been a predetermined effort,” Moore, a Democrat, stated at a news conference in Annapolis on Friday.
These remarks contradict the statements made by Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore City, who indicated that the commission was set to vote in favor of recommending new congressional maps to Moore.
“The meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. – it hasn’t occurred yet, but the outcome is already predetermined,” Ferguson, a commission member, remarked in a comment issued just before the meeting. “Clearly, the commission’s work was decided from the moment the GRAC was initiated.”
The Thursday meeting, during which the vote took place, was not publicized, and neither the press nor the public had access to view it.
“Advancing a pre-determined recommendation without public oversight is irresponsible and lacks transparency,” Ferguson added.
In a news release on Friday morning, the League of Women Voters of Maryland stated that it is “disturbed” by the actions of the commission, asserting that it appears more aligned with a single party’s redistricting aspirations than with the interests of Maryland’s citizens.
“The commission has not shared any upcoming meeting dates or a clear outline for public participation, which communicates that the majority party intends to push through its agenda while sidelining the voices of citizens,” stated Nikki Tyree, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Maryland, in a written statement.
Nevertheless, Moore expressed on Thursday that he is “extremely proud” of the commission’s achievements thus far, claiming it to be “the most transparent and above-board redistricting advisory commission in the entire country.”
U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, who serves as chair of the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission, stated after the vote that residents of Maryland are encouraged to send their map suggestions to [email protected] over the next two weeks.
She mentioned that the commission will make the proposed maps public after Christmas and will solicit further feedback in two additional public sessions.
‘I don’t take orders from party leaders’
In November, Moore instructed the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission to assess Marylanders’ views on altering the state’s congressional districts mid-cycle after President Donald Trump pressured Republican-led states, starting with Texas, to redraw their maps to secure advantages for the GOP in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
After Texas modified its map to obtain an additional five seats for Republicans in 2026, California voters approved a new map through a November referendum, which provides the Democratic Party with five more seats to target next year.
Out of Maryland’s eight congressional districts, seven are held by Democrats, with the exception of the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses the Eastern Shore, Harford County, and parts of Baltimore County. The state’s U.S. senators are both Democrats as well.
Ferguson has consistently opposed mid-cycle redistricting, despite external pressures.
In mid-December, Politico reported that Ferguson has been under pressure from both Moore and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, to support a vote aimed at achieving an 8-0 map in Maryland.
When asked on Friday whether he has made any commitments to national Democrats regarding Maryland moving forward with a new map, Moore responded, “We haven’t even had serious discussions.”
“I do not take orders from party leaders,” he emphasized. “Party influences will not dictate the direction I steer Maryland.”
The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission has convened four meetings that allowed for public participation.
According to Ferguson, the “cumulative oral and written testimony collected thus far shows a significant majority of Marylanders oppose mid-cycle redistricting,” which aligns with findings from data recently published by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Institute of Politics.
Of the 801 adults surveyed, including 769 registered voters, between December 2 and December 6, 40% expressed opposition to mid-cycle redistricting, stating it should not occur; 21% expressed disapproval but viewed it as necessary; and 7% said they supported it but believed it was inappropriate.
Only 24% of respondents indicated they favored mid-cycle redistricting and felt it should be pursued.
“The overwhelming majority do not want a new congressional map,” Ferguson asserted. “They want their government focused on promoting growth, affordability, and genuine safeguards against this chaotic federal administration. The Senate of Maryland continues to prioritize this essential agenda, especially as we navigate a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in our state budget.”
Moore, however, countered on Friday, expressing confusion over “how one can suppress Democracy while claiming to defend it.”
“This is clearly a priority,” the governor stated. “The goal of protecting our Democracy by having fair and competitive maps is crucial to the people of Maryland, and I deeply appreciate that this bipartisan commission has made commendable efforts to ensure that the voices of the public are heard.”
