Maryland Commission Endorses Contested Congressional Map, Setting Up Clash With Democratic Senate

A redistricting commission convened by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore voted to recommend a new congressional map that would place the state’s lone Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Harris into a district more favorable to Democrats. The plan now moves to Maryland’s Democratic-controlled Legislature, but it faces sharp resistance in the state Senate, leaving its fate uncertain.

The commission, chaired by U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, held roughly half a dozen virtual hearings over the past three months and opened the process to public map submissions. Alsobrooks said the proposal is a response to a broader national push to redraw districts and protect voting rights.

“At a moment when other states are moving aggressively to redraw maps, and when fundamental voting rights protections face renewed threats, Maryland has a responsibility to lead with urgency,” Alsobrooks said in a statement.

Supporters of the proposal—including Gov. Moore and newly elected House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk—frame the move as retaliation for Republican-led mid-decade map changes in other states. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised the commission’s recommendation as part of a national Democratic response.

“Partisan Republican hacks were counting on Democrats to roll over while they gerrymandered congressional maps in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Florida. They were wrong,” Jeffries said. “We will ensure that there is a free and fair midterm election in November.”

But Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has repeatedly warned that the proposed map is legally risky and could backfire politically. Ferguson criticized the commission’s process, including private meetings, and argued there was limited testimony showing how the map would affect electoral outcomes.

“The Governor's Commission recommended a map today that is objectively unconstitutional and jeopardizes Maryland's existing map,” Ferguson said. “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.”

Lawmakers face a tight calendar if they want a new map in place for this year's midterm elections: Maryland’s congressional filing deadline is Feb. 24 and the primary is scheduled for June 23, though the Legislature could vote to move those dates. Negotiators are also discussing a possible constitutional amendment on redistricting that would send the question to voters.

Supporters say releasing a map could mobilize voters. State Sen. Clarence Lam, who backs the redistricting effort, argued the stakes are high for Maryland residents and that even a single congressional seat can matter for policy and pocketbooks.

“What happens in D.C. is incredibly important to Marylanders' quality of life and pocketbook. We have to make that case to Marylanders to help them understand why even one seat can make a difference,” Lam said.

The mid-decade redistricting push accelerated after former President Donald Trump urged Republican-controlled states last year to redraw maps to shore up the GOP’s slim House majority. In total, six states enacted new congressional maps in 2025, and Virginia Democrats and Florida Republicans are among those considering action this year.

With deep divisions among Maryland Democrats and legal questions looming, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the commission’s plan advances, is modified, or is set aside.