Maryland lawmakers are set to convene for a special legislative session in August to address congressional redistricting. The session, beginning Aug. 3, will focus on a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at clarifying the state's redistricting process following a 2022 court ruling that invalidated a previous map.
Legislative leaders announced the special session Tuesday, signaling a renewed effort to potentially redraw the state's congressional districts to favor Democrats. The state's current congressional delegation consists of seven Democrats and one Republican, Rep. Andy Harris. The proposed amendment, if passed by a three-fifths vote in both legislative chambers, would be put before voters on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Approval by voters would then allow lawmakers to revisit congressional maps under the amended constitutional framework for future election cycles.
House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk stated the special session provides an opportunity to establish a "durable, transparent constitutional framework for congressional redistricting" in response to recent court decisions. She emphasized that the amendment process would ensure Maryland voters have the ultimate decision on any constitutional changes.
However, Maryland Republicans criticized the move. Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready described the special session as a "power grab" designed to "erase" the voice of the Republican congressman and hand Democrats an additional seat in the U.S. House.
Redistricting typically occurs every 10 years after the U.S. Census. However, partisan redistricting efforts have intensified nationally. A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in late April impacted the Voting Rights Act, potentially providing new avenues for Republicans to alter districts in Southern states. National projections suggest Republicans could gain up to 10 House seats through redistricting this year.
Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly considered a map that could have led to an 8-0 Democratic advantage. That proposal, however, did not advance out of the state Senate, with Senate President Bill Ferguson citing concerns about potential judicial review. Democratic Governor Wes Moore has expressed support for the renewed redistricting effort and commended lawmakers for their agreement to reconvene.