Maryland Democrats Hit the Pause Button on Redistricting
In a setback for national Democrats’ redistricting ambitions, prominent figures in Maryland’s Legislature announced on Thursday that revising the state’s congressional maps will not be on the agenda during an upcoming special legislative session. This session is scheduled to commence next week, and instead of focusing on redistricting, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and House of Delegates Speaker Pro Tem Dana Stein have chosen to prioritize other state matters.
This announcement occurs amidst a backdrop where President Donald Trump and Republican leaders are urging GOP-controlled states to revise their congressional maps to bolster their electoral prospects ahead of the midterms. Ferguson and Stein’s declaration came just before Indiana Republicans dismissed a proposal to redraw maps in their state on Thursday afternoon.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who is eyeing a potential run for the presidency in 2028, had signed an executive order earlier in the week calling for a special session on December 16. This session will primarily focus on electing a new leader for the lower chamber following the unexpected resignation of Adrienne Jones from her position.
In his proclamation, Moore hinted at the possibility of the General Assembly addressing additional business prior to the commencement of the 2026 legislative session, leaving the door ajar for potential redistricting discussions. Both Moore and Jones have expressed support for Maryland lawmakers to redraw federal congressional maps with the aim of gaining an additional congressional seat, countering Trump’s push.
For months, Moore, along with other national Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have been pressing Ferguson to facilitate a vote on a measure that could secure all eight congressional seats for Democrats in the state. However, Ferguson has emerged as a notable roadblock, citing concerns that the party may risk losing congressional seats if new maps face legal challenges.
Despite this, allies of Moore suggest that the quest for redistricting is far from over. On Friday, the Maryland governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission is set to hold its final public hearing, gathering input from residents on whether to proceed with redistricting efforts.
The commission members plan to convene next week to deliberate on the potential framework for a new map, guided by the public testimony and written recommendations received, according to a legislative aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
“The [commission] will carry on with its work and provide a recommendation to the governor and state legislature regarding the necessity of new maps,” a second aide confirmed to POLITICO, also speaking anonymously about future steps in the state’s redistricting endeavor.
Moore and his supporters might push for the Maryland General Assembly to revisit the redistricting issue when it reconvenes for its regular session in January, thereby allowing more time for negotiations with Ferguson.
In a related vein, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, has entered the fray, urging Maryland lawmakers to persist in their efforts regarding redistricting and to challenge Ferguson’s reluctance. Raskin directly confronted Ferguson’s hesitance during a podcast with The New Republic released on Thursday.
“One of the reasons he cited for his inaction was a conversation he had with the Republican president of the Indiana Senate, who indicated he would remain uninvolved,” Raskin noted. “If that changes, it will only strengthen everyone’s resolve to persuade Bill Ferguson to reconsider.”
