Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Maryland GOP Unveils 'Fair Districts' Bill to Block Mid‑Decade Redraw

The proposal would limit mapmaking to the year after the census, assigning the work to a politically balanced 10‑member panel.

Overview

  • Republican leaders introduced the Fair Districts for Maryland Act to stop any mid‑cycle changes to the state’s congressional map.
  • The measure would codify once‑a‑decade redistricting after the U.S. census and bar maps drawn solely on voter registration or past election results.
  • The bill envisions a 10‑member bipartisan commission with appointments from the governor and legislative leaders, including minority‑party representation and at least one independent.
  • GOP lawmakers argued Gov. Wes Moore’s push is political, and Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey warned any mid‑decade map could land in court.
  • Gov. Moore’s advisory commission has begun public hearings, while Democrats are split, with Senate President Bill Ferguson cautioning that a redraw could pose risks.