Full Breakdown
Maryland Special Session Targets Constitutional Amendment for 2028 Redistricting
8/3/2026, 9:04:42 PM
Core Event
On Monday, Maryland’s General Assembly convened a three-day special session to debate House Bill 2100, a proposed constitutional amendment that would let the legislature draw congressional districts with fewer constraints than the state constitution currently imposes. If the amendment passes a three-fifths vote in both chambers, it will be placed on the November 3 ballot for voter approval. Proponents say the change is needed to protect Maryland voters from “mid-decade” redistricting elsewhere; opponents argue it paves the way for a partisan gerrymander that could eliminate the state’s sole Republican-held U.S. House seat.
Background & Context
Maryland’s congressional delegation is currently split 7-1 in favor of Democrats, with Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD-1) representing the Eastern Shore. A 2022 state-court ruling struck down a Democratic-drawn map as an “extreme partisan gerrymander,” citing constitutional requirements that districts be compact and respect natural and political boundaries. Earlier this year, Senate President Bill Ferguson blocked a fast-track redistricting bill, fearing judicial backlash. After the U.S. Supreme Court’s May decision in *Louisiana v. Callais* that weakened the Voting Rights Act, Democratic leaders reversed course, arguing that the federal shift creates new uncertainty for congressional maps.
Key Figures & Groups
- Bill Ferguson – Senate President (D)
- Joseline Peña-Melnyk – House Speaker (D)
- Aruna Miller – Lieutenant Governor (D)
- David Moon – House Majority Leader (D)
- Andy Harris – U.S. Representative (R)
- Jason Buckel – House Minority Leader (R)
- Stephen Hershey – Senate Minority Leader (R)
- Mark Fisher – Delegate, Freedom Caucus (R)
Timeline
- June 2024 – Ferguson wins primary, later changes stance on redistricting.
- May 2024 – Supreme Court decision in *Louisiana v. Callais* weakens Voting Rights Act protections.
- [Date of session] – Special session begins; debate on constitutional amendment starts.
- November 3 – Proposed referendum appears on the ballot.
Data & Statistics
- Current congressional composition: 7 Democrats, 1 Republican.
- Amendment passage threshold: three-fifths supermajority in both chambers.
- The amendment would apply only to congressional districts; existing language on compactness and natural boundaries would remain for state legislative districts.
Official Statements & Responses
Democratic leaders frame the amendment as a voter-centered safeguard. Lt. Gov. Wes Moore, speaking as chair of the National Governors Association, emphasized that the final decision rests with the electorate.
Republican officials characterize the proposal as a partisan power grab. Rep. Jason Buckel criticized “significant limitations on witnesses” and called the hearings “a brief and meaningless formality.” Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey described the amendment question as “confusing” and suggested it is intended to eliminate Republican voices.
Criticism & Opposition
Mark Fisher accused the effort of importing “banana-republic” politics and called it “corrupt, rule-changing, power-grabbing nonsense.” Hershey warned that Republicans would file lawsuits if the amendment passes, arguing it would violate established constitutional standards for districting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I began ringing the alarm bells and trying to get not just Maryland leaders but Democratic leaders across the country to see what was going on and attempt to make all of our states equal with Texas,” — Del. David Moon
- “This special session will allow the General Assembly to do its part while ensuring that Maryland voters make the final decision.” — Del. David Moon
- “If Democrats insist on using this Special Session for political theater, Republicans will use it to remind Marylanders what their government should actually be working on.” — Mark Fisher
- “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
