House Committee Holds Hearing on Congressional Redistricting in Annapolis

Proposed map aims to eliminate Republican-held 1st District on Eastern Shore

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A House committee in Annapolis is holding a hearing on a congressional redistricting bill based on a map approved by the governor's commission last week. The proposed map aims to eliminate the Republican-held 1st District on the Eastern Shore by cutting the district in half and adding part of it to Eastern Howard County. Senate President Bill Ferguson opposes the measure and has not said whether he will bring it up for a vote, noting it will likely lead to lawsuits. Congressman Andy Harris, who represents the 1st District, is threatening legal action.

Why it matters

Congressional redistricting is a highly contentious and politically charged process that can have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed changes to Maryland's 1st District could shift the political landscape in the state and potentially impact the national political landscape.

The details

The House committee hearing in Annapolis is focused on a congressional redistricting bill based on a map approved by the governor's commission last week. The proposed map aims to eliminate the Republican-held 1st District on the Eastern Shore by cutting the district in half and adding part of it to Eastern Howard County. This move is seen as an attempt to dilute Republican voting power in the region.

  • The House committee hearing is taking place on January 27, 2026.

The players

Bill Ferguson

The Senate President of Maryland, who opposes the proposed redistricting measure and has not said whether he will bring it up for a vote, noting it will likely lead to lawsuits.

Andy Harris

The Congressman who represents Maryland's 1st District, which would be impacted by the proposed redistricting changes, and is threatening legal action.

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What they’re saying

“It will lead to lawsuits.”

— Bill Ferguson, Senate President (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Senate President's decision on whether to bring the redistricting bill up for a vote will be a key next step, as will any potential legal challenges from Congressman Harris.

The takeaway

The congressional redistricting process in Maryland has become a politically charged issue, with the proposed changes to the 1st District sparking concerns about gerrymandering and the potential for legal battles. The outcome of this process could have significant implications for the state's political landscape.