Maryland Democrats Stall Wes Moore's Redistricting Plans

Governor's push to redraw state maps faces resistance from state Senate leader

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Maryland Governor Wes Moore's efforts to redraw the state's electoral maps have hit a roadblock, as state Senate President Bill Ferguson and other Democratic leaders have resisted the governor's push for redistricting. Despite Moore's attempts to rally public support and pressure from national Democratic figures like Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Ferguson has held firm, citing concerns over disrupting the state's election calendar. The dispute highlights the internal tensions within the Maryland Democratic party as Moore seeks to advance his political ambitions.

Why it matters

Redistricting can have a major impact on the balance of political power, and the outcome in Maryland could influence the broader national landscape. Moore, a rising star in the Democratic party, is seen as a potential future presidential contender, making the state's maps a key battleground.

The details

Moore's redistricting push has faced resistance from state Senate President Bill Ferguson and other Democratic leaders, who have raised concerns about disrupting the state's election calendar. Ferguson has cited a February 24th candidate filing deadline as a reason not to act on new maps. However, Moore's team argues this deadline is arbitrary and points to legislation that could push it to late March. The dispute has highlighted internal tensions within the Maryland Democratic party, with some members of the Legislative Black Caucus criticizing Ferguson's stance.

  • Maryland's candidate filing deadline is February 24, 2026.
  • Legislation is working its way through the Maryland House to push the filing deadline to late March 2026.

The players

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who is pushing for redistricting in the state.

Bill Ferguson

The Democratic president of the Maryland State Senate, who has resisted Moore's redistricting efforts.

Hakeem Jeffries

A Democratic congressman who could become the first Black speaker of the U.S. House, and who has publicly criticized Ferguson's stance on redistricting.

Jamie Raskin

The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who has sought to undercut Ferguson's legal justification for not acting on redistricting.

Len Foxwell

A Maryland-based Democratic strategist who has criticized Moore's approach to the redistricting push.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The work of the commission was a rather dreary exercise in muscle-flexing. The clear message was that we are doing this because we can do it. And I don't think that was a message that was satisfying.”

— Len Foxwell, Maryland-based Democratic strategist (Politico)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.