Maryland Democrats Reject Effort to Redraw Congressional Map

Governor Wes Moore's push to counter Trump's redistricting campaign falls short in the state legislature.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:29pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary Maryland state capitol building, its facade bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political decisions made within its walls.The Maryland state capitol building stands as a symbol of the partisan battle over redistricting that has played out within its halls.Annapolis Today

Maryland Democrats have rejected an effort to redraw the state's congressional map to boost their party's chances in the midterm elections, a setback for Gov. Wes Moore who put his clout behind the attempt to blunt President Donald Trump's own redistricting campaign.

Why it matters

The unusual mid-decade redistricting spree, which started when Trump encouraged Republican-controlled Texas to redraw their map last year, is expected to continue next week. Republicans want to change congressional boundaries during a special legislative session in Florida, while Democrats are asking voters to approve a redistricting referendum in Virginia. This decision in Maryland means Democrats will not be poised to pick up a seat in the state, where the proposed map would have made it easier for voters to oust the state's lone Republican member of the U.S. House.

The details

The clock officially ran out on the proposal late Monday night as the state legislative session ended, a casualty of internal party disagreements. In the end, the Maryland Senate left the bill in a committee, with Democrats who control the chamber concerned it could backfire under judicial review. Moore, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said he disagreed with another powerful Maryland Democrat, state Senate President Bill Ferguson, about 'what is required to be able to make sure we're fighting back' against Trump.

  • The Maryland legislative session ended on Monday night.
  • The proposed map was introduced in early February.

The players

Gov. Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland who put his clout behind the effort to redraw the state's congressional map to boost Democrats.

Bill Ferguson

The Maryland state Senate president who refused to approve the proposed map, concerned it could cost Democrats seats in the state.

Donald Trump

The former president who has encouraged Republican-controlled states to redraw congressional boundaries to favor the GOP.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a political game to me. I don't look at this as some kind of political talking point. I look at the fact that I think Donald Trump is actively trying to manipulate and change the rules around the November election and beyond because he knows he cannot win on his policies.”

— Gov. Wes Moore

“Don't play with me. And if the rest of the country is going to have this conversation about mid-decade redistricting, then so should Maryland, and so should every other state. Because until it is done nationally, we have to make sure that this election is not stolen right before our face so this pain is made permanent.”

— Gov. Wes Moore

What’s next

Republicans are expected to push for new congressional maps in a special legislative session in Florida next week, while Democrats are seeking a redistricting referendum in Virginia.

The takeaway

This decision in Maryland highlights the ongoing partisan battle over redistricting, with both parties jockeying to redraw congressional boundaries to their advantage. The failure of Gov. Moore's effort means Democrats will not be poised to pick up a seat in the state, underscoring the challenges they face in countering Trump's redistricting campaign.