A Maryland court has blocked a Democrat-backed congressional redistricting initiative from appearing on the November ballot, citing violations of state deadlines for adding ballot measures. The ruling deals a setback to Democratic efforts to redraw district maps in the state.
County Circuit Court Judge Robert Thompson determined that the initiative was submitted after the July 1 deadline for the Maryland secretary of state to certify ballot summaries. Democrats had passed a law earlier this year establishing this requirement.
The blocked amendment would have permitted lawmakers to redraw district maps ahead of the 2028 elections and would have removed constitutional requirements for congressional districts to be compact and follow natural boundaries. Democrats currently hold seven of Maryland's eight congressional seats, and the proposed changes could have potentially impacted the district represented by the state's lone Republican congressman, Rep. Andy Harris.
The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus expressed approval of the ruling, stating that the court's decision ensured compliance with established election procedures.
This decision is the latest in a series of redistricting disputes across the nation as both parties seek advantages in upcoming elections. A similar redistricting plan by Democrats was previously struck down in Virginia by the state Supreme Court. Texas redrew its maps in favor of Republicans, while California enacted changes benefiting Democrats. Redistricting battles are also ongoing in other states like Georgia.