Maryland redistricting proposal sparks questions over political motives
BALTIMORE - Maryland lawmakers will return to Annapolis next month to consider a constitutional amendment that could change how the state redraws its congressional districts, reviving a debate over whether the proposal is intended to protect voting rights and ensure fair representation, as Democrats argue, or primarily benefit the Democratic Party politically, as some political scientists contend.
John Dedie, a political science professor at the Community College of Baltimore County, said Democrats' push is about "2028 politics" and success would give the governor "street cred" should he run for president then.
"People on the far left have really good memories when it comes to politicians and what they do and don't do, and I think that the concern is that a lot of these progressives might not help in the next election or might hold back financial contributions," Dedie said, adding that the Democratic Party's most ideologically progressive members will likely decide who wins the 2028 presidential nomination.
Niambi Carter, a professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy, said redistricting serves Maryland Democratic leaders who want to be seen as "fighters," particularly as the national Democratic Party rewards those staunchly opposing President Donald Trump.
"Republican voters will find themselves with no place to go," said Matthew Crenson, professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins University, arguing that redistricting could eliminate the state's only Republican-held congressional seat.
Maryland lawmakers will cconsider adding a ballot measure in the November elections to change the rules governing how Maryland's congressional map is drawn during a special session set for Aug 3-5. If approved by a three-fifths vote in both chambers, the amendment would go before Maryland voters this fall, teeing up Democrats' chance to eliminate the state's lone Republican-held congressional seat.
Democratic leaders said the measure would clarify the state constitution after a 2022 court decision struck down Maryland's previous congressional map. The measure would not redraw congressional districts, but would make it easier for lawmakers to redraw the congressional map between census years.
Republicans have long opposed this proposal, arguing that eliminating the state's lone Republican-held congressional district would leave Republican voters without representation in Maryland's congressional delegation.
Republican leaders and operatives said, however, that redistricting may open opportunities for their party to grow.
Maryland GOP chair Nicole Beus Harris said Republicans will campaign on how unpopular gerrymandering is in Maryland, especially in light of polling showing voters are primarily concerned with affordability issues. Whether that will make a difference in the November elections, she added, remains unclear.
"There's a lot to be seen as to the language of the bill and how it would be put onto the ballot because that's always key as to whether or not people understand the wording," Beus Harris said.
Political strategists said that Democrats' potential success could help with Republican candidate recruitment because eliminating the state's only Republican-held district would require redistributing Democratic votes, making solidly Democratic districts more competitive.
Jim Burton, a Republican campaign strategist, said redistricting will "generate some additional energy for Republicans to run because they're so frustrated with what the Democrats in Annapolis are doing."
Richard Vatz, a conservative political analyst, said breaking up Democratic support in some districts and spreading it to other parts of the state will lower Democratic turnout in future elections.
"Republicans are not in a strong position, but this could weaken Democrats' intensity if you get some good Republican candidates," Vatz said.
________
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 5:47 PM.