Maryland Redistricting Bill Unlikely to Pass Senate, Says Senate President

Midterm redistricting efforts face bipartisan opposition, Senate leader says

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A bill to redraw Maryland's congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections has passed the state House but is now unlikely to advance in the Senate, according to Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson. Ferguson cited a lack of constituent interest and concerns about the divisive nature of midcycle redistricting efforts.

Why it matters

Redistricting is a politically charged process that can significantly impact the balance of power in Congress. The failure of this bill to pass the Senate suggests bipartisan opposition to redrawing district lines outside the normal 10-year cycle, which is seen by many as an attempt at gerrymandering.

The details

The bill to redraw Maryland's congressional maps passed the state House but is now stalled in the Senate. Senate President Bill Ferguson said the window for the bill to come to the floor for a vote has closed, and he cited a lack of constituent interest as well as concerns about the divisive nature of midcycle redistricting efforts.

  • The bill passed the Maryland House in early 2026.
  • The bill is unlikely to advance in the Maryland Senate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The players

Bill Ferguson

The president of the Maryland Senate, who has stated the redistricting bill is unlikely to pass in the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“Midcycle redistricting historically, and now, is a path to mutually assured destruction.”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President

“There were 200 people out for a chili cook-off, and I had one person bring up redistricting as being concerned. About 25 say, 'That's a really bad idea. Thank you for not focusing time on it.'”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President

What’s next

The redistricting bill is unlikely to come up for a vote in the Maryland Senate, effectively killing the effort to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

This failed redistricting effort highlights the growing bipartisan opposition to midcycle gerrymandering, as lawmakers and constituents alike express concerns about the divisive nature of redrawing district lines outside the normal 10-year cycle.