Maryland lawmakers begin amendment on congressional maps

Maryland lawmakers convened a special session in Annapolis on Monday, August 3, to begin the process of amending the state constitution to remove specific criteria for drawing congressional districts, a change that would ultimately be decided by voters on November 3. The Democratic-controlled General Assembly is considering a proposal that would clarify that constitutional standards requiring districts to be compact, connected, and respectful of natural and political boundaries apply only to state legislative districts, not to Maryland's eight U.S. House seats.

The move follows a 2022 ruling by a state judge who struck down a congressional map passed by Democrats in late 2021, calling it a product of "extreme partisan gerrymandering." That map had reconfigured the state's sole Republican-held district, the 1st District represented by Rep. Andy Harris, by extending it across the Chesapeake Bay to include more Democratic-leaning areas. The court's decision was based on the state constitution's existing provisions, creating legal uncertainty that the proposed amendment seeks to resolve.

Democratic leaders, including Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline...