Overview
- The Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed the amendment during a special session this week and Gov. Wes Moore signed it Wednesday, formally placing the question on the November 2026 ballot.
- The amendment would remove state constitutional rules that require congressional districts to be compact and to follow natural or jurisdictional boundaries and would not change district lines for the 2026 election.
- If voters ratify the change, lawmakers could redraw maps ahead of the 2028 cycle and any legal challenges to congressional maps would go directly to the Maryland Supreme Court for original review.
- Republican lawmakers and conservative groups are preparing at least two lawsuits claiming the special session rushed procedure, sidestepped a plain-language ballot review and missed statutory certification deadlines, and one complaint was filed in Anne Arundel County.
- Supporters say the move responds to national mid-decade Republican redistricting and recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and pro-amendment group Fight Back Maryland has launched a campaign while opponents warn the change could target Rep. Andy Harris’s seat and alter the state’s congressional delegation.