MARYLAND - The Maryland House and Senate both passed a bill to pave the way for congressional redistricting today, which some believe is likely to eliminate the only republican-held seat in the U.S. House from Maryland.
The bill will put a language change in the state constitution up for a referendum this November. It would change the wording to allow for less-compact congressional district lines.
The proposed redistricting puts Congressman Andy Harris' seat in jeopardy. No members from the Eastern Shore voted in support of the bill. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel says he believes this will lead to the disenfranchisement of over a million Marylanders. Buckels alleges the special session "lacked transparency" and limited Republican representatives.
However, Maryland Governor Wes Moore said today, "“By passing this constitutional amendment, the General Assembly has ensured that... the final decision will rest where it belongs: with the people of Maryland. I look forward to working together to pass the amendment with a strong YES vote in November.”
If the referendum does successfully pass in November, state lawmakers could then move forward with the new maps, possibly in time for the 2028 election.
