Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s redistricting commission proposed a new congressional map aimed at unseating Rep. Andy Harris by adding Democratic-leaning areas such as Annapolis and parts of the D.C. suburbs to his Eastern Shore district. The plan requires state legislative approval and faces pushback from Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, who warned of procedural flaws and potential court challenges. Supporters argue the map would boost representation for historically underrepresented communities and strengthen Democratic influence in Congress.
Wes Moore’s Redistricting Push Targets Rep. Andy Harris — Maryland Senate Leader Objects
Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican from Maryland, speaks to members of the media following a House Republican caucus meeting at the US Capitol on December 10, 2025. - Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File
A commission convened by Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday recommended a new congressional map that would target the state’s lone Republican member of Congress, eight-term Rep. Andy Harris. The commission-backed plan would reshape Harris’s Eastern Shore district by adding more Democratic-leaning areas, including the state capital Annapolis and parts of the northern suburbs of Washington, D.C.
The proposal must still be approved by the state legislature, but it already faces significant resistance in the Democratic-controlled Maryland State Senate. Despite Democrats holding seven of the state’s eight U.S. House seats and control of both legislative chambers, Senate President Bill Ferguson — a commission member — publicly challenged the process and warned of legal risks.
What the Map Would Do
The commission’s draft map shifts portions of Annapolis and nearby suburban precincts into Harris’s district, a move intended to make the seat more competitive for Democrats. Supporters say the change would improve representation for historically underrepresented communities and strengthen Democratic chances in Congress.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks during an event in Severna Park, Maryland, on Tuesday. - Stephanie Scarbrough/AP
“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,” said Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, the Democrat who chaired Moore’s redistricting commission. “Our goal is to ensure our congressional delegation reflects the will of the people, protects representation for historically underrepresented communities, and gives Marylanders a Congress that can serve as a real check on this President.”
Opposition and Legal Concerns
Bill Ferguson argued the commission did not sufficiently solicit input from key stakeholders, including election officials, and cautioned that courts might strike down any map that appears designed to eliminate Republican representation. In a statement, he said: “Ultimately, a flawed process has delivered a flawed product.”
The debate in Maryland echoes broader national fights over mid-decade redistricting. Governor Moore has urged Maryland to join other Democratic-led efforts responding to a redistricting push that began last year under President Donald Trump. Neighboring Virginia recently advanced a referendum on a constitutional amendment that could give Democrats additional U.S. House seats.
The commission voted on the plan during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. If sent to the legislature, the map will face public scrutiny, committee review and likely legal challenges before it could become final.
CNN’s Ethan Cohen contributed to this report.
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