Maryland Governor Wes Moore launches redistricting commission despite major Democratic opposition
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a new redistricting commission on Tuesday, in an apparent attempt to push reluctant state lawmakers toward redrawing the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“My commitment has been clear from day one, and we will explore every possible avenue to ensure Maryland has fair and representative maps,” Moore, a Democrat, said in a statement. “This committee will ensure that people are heard.”
Moore’s party is divided on the issue: State Senate President Bill Ferguson said last week that there was no support in his chamber for moving forward with a mid-decade redistricting effort. Moore, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., have continued to insist the issue is on the table.
The Maryland commission plans to host public hearings, collect voter feedback and make recommendations to “improve” the congressional map, Moore’s office said in a news release.
The commission will include five members, consisting of three gubernatorial appointees and two legislative leaders or appointees. Moore appointed U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, who will chair the committee, former state Attorney General Brian Frosh, and Cumberland Mayor Ray Morris.
Ferguson said in a statement that the state Senate would participate in the process, which he said could be used to highlight the risks that led him to oppose redistricting efforts.
“The voices of Marylanders remain central to this process, and these public meetings will provide an opportunity for voters to hear about Maryland’s unique legal barriers — barriers that could inadvertently give Donald Trump another congressional seat or two in Maryland if these efforts backfire in our courts,” Ferguson said in a statement.
Currently, Democrats control all but one of Maryland’s congressional districts.
Maryland is one of several states that national Democrats hope will redraw congressional maps to compete in response to Republican redistricting efforts across the country that were undertaken at Trump’s request.
So far, Republicans have issued new maps in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina. A Democratic proposal to redraw California’s district lines to boost the party goes before voters on Tuesday. Last week, Democrats in Virginia took the first step in a multi-pronged redistricting campaign.
In an interview with NBC News on Friday, Ferguson warned against such expanded efforts.
“The path we are on is unsustainable, and no one wants or feels they should unilaterally disarm. I don’t think that is the case,” he said. “I think this leans toward reality. If we want to protect this democracy for the future, we have to chart a different course.”