Maryland launches special session to pursue partisan redistricting for 2028 elections

A special session of Maryland’s General Assembly starts Monday to discuss a constitutional amendment that would allow Democrats greater flexibility in drawing congressional districts for the 2028 elections. The measure requires a three-fifths majority in both the Senate and House and subsequent voter approval in the November 3 ballot before any redistricting can occur. Currently, Democrats hold seven of the state’s eight House seats, and the amendment aims to protect that advantage by limiting judicial constraints that apply only to state legislative districts.

Republican officials, including Rep. Andy Harris, criticize the plan as a gerrymander that would dilute rural interests and predict legal challenges. Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson, who previously blocked an earlier redistricting effort, now supports the amendment after the Supreme Court’s recent weakening of the Voting Rights Act. Governor Wes Moore frames the proposal as giving the electorate the final say on whether to proceed.