Maryland Democrats Reject Effort to Redraw Congressional Map

Governor Wes Moore's push to boost Democrats falls short as state legislature fails to approve new map

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting in shades of blue, red, and grey depicting a government building in motion, conveying the political turmoil and shifting power dynamics around congressional redistricting.The failed effort to redraw Maryland's congressional map exposes the high-stakes battle over political boundaries ahead of the 2024 elections.Annapolis Today

Maryland Democrats have rejected an effort by Governor Wes Moore to redraw the state's congressional map in a bid to boost his party's chances in the midterm elections. The proposal officially died as the state's legislative session ended, a casualty of internal party disagreements. Moore had pushed for the new map to counter what he called 'political redlining' by former President Donald Trump in other states, but the Democratic-controlled Senate ultimately left the bill in committee over concerns it could backfire under judicial review.

Why it matters

The failed redistricting effort in Maryland is part of a broader national battle over congressional maps, with Republicans and Democrats jockeying to redraw boundaries in their favor ahead of the 2024 elections. While Moore argued the new map was needed to protect Black representation, opponents warned it could actually cost Democrats seats in the state.

The details

Governor Wes Moore, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, had put his political clout behind the push to redraw Maryland's congressional map. The proposed map would have made it easier for Democrats to oust the state's lone Republican member of the U.S. House. However, the measure faced opposition from powerful state Senate President Bill Ferguson, who argued redistricting could actually cost Democrats seats in Maryland because a court could order an even less favorable map in the inevitable legal battle.

  • The Maryland legislative session ended on Monday, April 14, 2026, with the redistricting proposal officially dying.
  • Governor Moore named a panel in November 2025 that proposed the new congressional map for Maryland.

The players

Governor Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who pushed for the new congressional map, arguing it was needed to counter 'political redlining' by former President Donald Trump in other states.

Bill Ferguson

The Democratic state Senate President who refused to approve the new congressional map, arguing it could backfire and cost Democrats seats in Maryland.

Hakeem Jeffries

The U.S. House Minority Leader who pressured Maryland Democrats to approve the new congressional map.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president who encouraged GOP-controlled states to redraw congressional boundaries, a move that prompted Moore's push for a new map in Maryland.

Rep. Andy Harris

The lone Republican member of Maryland's U.S. House delegation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Governor 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.”

— Governor Wes Moore

“Redistricting could actually cost Democrats seats in Maryland because, in the inevitable legal battle that would ensue, a court could order a new map that would be even less favorable to the party.”

— Bill Ferguson, State Senate President

What’s next

The battle over congressional redistricting in Maryland is expected to continue, with Republicans in other states like Florida also pushing for new maps that could benefit their party ahead of the 2024 elections.

The takeaway

The failed redistricting effort in Maryland highlights the broader national fight over congressional boundaries, with both parties jockeying to redraw maps in their favor. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.