Overview
- The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission held its first virtual session, which centered on 2020 Census data, with public comment set for Friday, Nov. 14.
- Chair Angela Alsobrooks said the panel aims to move quickly with several meetings before Thanksgiving to gather input and consider possible map changes.
- Senate President Bill Ferguson, a member of the panel, reiterated his opposition to a mid-decade redraw and said any move could trigger judicial review and replacement.
- Maryland Department of Planning Deputy Secretary Kristin Fleckenstein told the panel that state law does not prohibit mid-cycle redistricting.
- Any new map would require approval in both chambers, with House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones supportive and Ferguson’s stance signaling a major hurdle in the Senate.