Maryland Democrats push mid-term redistricting despite lawsuits challenging constitutional deadlines
A special legislative session in Maryland attempted a mid-decade redistricting plan, prompting multiple lawsuits that argue the move violates state constitutional timelines and protections.
During an August special session, Maryland Democrats sought to redraw congressional maps mid-term, a move intended to wipe out the state’s only Republican district. Opponents, led by GOP state senators Mary Beth Carozza, Johnny Mautz, Chris West, delegate Chris Adams, and Republican activist Lindsay Wheatley, filed a lawsuit in Dorchester County claiming the plan ignores mandatory constitutional deadlines and the Declaration of Rights that forbid extreme partisan gerrymandering.
A former state Supreme Court justice had previously affirmed that the Declaration bars such practices. Simultaneously, the Maryland Freedom Caucus and the state Senate sued in Anne Arundel County after the legislature approved the amendment. Both suits challenge the Democrats’ reliance on a ballot question that omits constitutional protections and their assertion that procedural rules do not apply to them. The outcome will determine whether Maryland courts will uphold the Constitution’s safeguards or allow the partisan map to stand.
Why it matters
Court rulings will decide if Maryland can enforce limits on partisan gerrymandering and protect voters' constitutional rights.
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