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Montgomery Village Today
By the People, for the People
Raskin Urges Maryland Democrats to Approve Redistricting
The influential congressman argues the state should not "unilaterally disarm" in the partisan battle over congressional maps.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a powerful Maryland Democrat, made a late-night plea to state lawmakers to approve a new congressional redistricting plan that would likely benefit his party. Raskin pushed back against arguments from the state Senate president that a mid-cycle redistricting could face legal challenges, saying the basis for a previous court ruling blocking Democratic gerrymandering would have been overturned on appeal.
Why it matters
Raskin's letter marks the latest salvo in an ongoing partisan battle over congressional redistricting in Maryland, where Democrats currently hold a 7-1 advantage in the U.S. House delegation. The state Senate president has resisted calls to approve a new map, arguing it could erode democratic norms, but Raskin says Democrats must respond in kind to Republican gerrymandering efforts nationwide.
The details
In his six-page letter, Raskin argued that Maryland Democrats should not "unilaterally disarm" in the face of Republican gerrymandering efforts across the country. He dismissed concerns about potential legal challenges, saying a previous court ruling blocking Democratic gerrymandering would have been overturned on appeal. Raskin, a constitutional law professor, also serves as the ranking member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.
- Raskin's letter was sent to Maryland lawmakers at 10:33 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.
- The Maryland House of Delegates approved a new congressional redistricting plan last week, but the bill is currently stalled in a Senate committee.
The players
Jamie Raskin
A U.S. Representative from Maryland's 8th congressional district and a powerful Democrat in the state's congressional delegation.
Bill Ferguson
The Democratic President of the Maryland State Senate, who has opposed efforts to approve a new congressional redistricting plan mid-cycle.
Lynne Battaglia
A Maryland state judge who previously blocked Democrats' attempts to redraw congressional maps in the state.
What they’re saying
“I'm writing to explain from my perspective why Members of the Maryland Senate should vote for the new Congressional district map approved by the House of Delegates.”
— Jamie Raskin, U.S. Representative (The Baltimore Banner)
“When they make partisan gerrymandering the official redistricting process in America, why would we unilaterally disarm?”
— Jamie Raskin, U.S. Representative (The Baltimore Banner)
What’s next
The Maryland State Senate will decide whether to approve the new congressional redistricting plan approved by the House of Delegates. If passed, the plan would likely face a legal challenge from Maryland Republicans.
The takeaway
This partisan battle over congressional redistricting in Maryland highlights the broader national fight between Democrats and Republicans to gain an advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Raskin's late-night plea to state lawmakers underscores the high stakes involved as both parties seek to shape the electoral landscape for the next decade.
