Full Breakdown
Maryland Special Session Targets Constitutional Amendment to Enable Partisan Redistricting Ahead of 2028 Elections
8/3/2026, 12:14:23 PM
Core Event
In early August, Maryland’s General Assembly convened a three-day special session to debate House Bill 2100, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to draw its congressional districts without the “compact and contiguous” requirement that currently applies to both legislative and congressional maps. If the amendment secures a three-fifths vote in both chambers, it will be placed on the ballot for voter approval later this year. Passage would give Democratic leaders a clearer path to redraw the state’s sole Republican-held district before the 2028 election cycle.
Background & Context
The effort follows a national wave of redistricting battles that began when former President Donald Trump urged Republican-led states to redraw congressional lines to protect the party’s slim House majority. Supreme Court rulings that weakened the Voting Rights Act in late April created new legal leeway for partisan map changes, prompting Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson to revive a previously shelved plan. A 2022 state-court decision struck down Maryland’s congressional map as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander, reinforcing the push to amend the constitution.
Timeline
- July 31 – Deadline for Maryland residents to register to testify at the special session hearing.
- Early August – Special session convenes for three days to consider the amendment.
Data & Statistics
- Democrats currently represent seven of Maryland’s eight U.S. House districts; the lone Republican seat is the 1st District, held by Rep. Andy Harris.
- Proponents argue the amendment could enable Democrats to capture the 1st District, adding one seat to their delegation.
Official Statements & Responses
Democratic leaders frame the amendment as a defensive measure to protect Maryland’s voting rights after the federal Voting Rights Act was weakened. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said the effort is necessary to keep Maryland “in the ring” and ensure voter voices are heard. Senate President Bill Ferguson noted the Supreme Court’s recent decision created “painful” uncertainty for minority representation, prompting the shift in strategy.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican officials contend the amendment is a partisan power grab designed to eliminate the state’s only Republican congressional voice. Rep. Jason Buckle criticized the session’s limited witness time and called the hearing “a brief and meaningless formality.” Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey described the amendment question as “confusing” and suggested Republicans will use the upcoming vote to remind Marylanders of governmental priorities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, Maryland cannot just sit on the sidelines. We need to be in the ring, fighting to make sure our voters' voices are represented,” — Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller
- “It's absolutely unfair to strip us of having any representation at the federal level, and it's clearly a partisan power grab,” — State Delegate Christopher Tomlinson
What’s Next
If the amendment clears the General Assembly, it will appear on the ballot later this year. Voter approval would allow the Maryland Supreme Court to review any new congressional map, but any changes could not take effect before the 2028 election cycle. Opponents have signaled intent to file lawsuits, indicating that legal challenges are likely to follow any voter decision.
