Maryland to hold special session on redistricting

Maryland lawmakers will hold a special session Aug. 3-5 to consider a constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting.

Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk announced the special session Tuesday, saying lawmakers will consider legislation proposing a constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting standards.

If approved by a three-fifths vote in both the Senate and House of Delegates, the proposed constitutional amendment would appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Legislative leaders have not released the proposed amendment language.

The announcement follows an unsuccessful effort during the 2026 legislative session to redraw Maryland’s congressional map. The House approved House Bill 488, but the Senate never voted on the measure.

“After recent court decisions weakened the federal Voting Rights Act and created new uncertainty around congressional redistricting, Maryland needs a clear legal path forward,” Ferguson said in the joint statement.

“This special session will allow the General Assembly to do its part while ensuring that Maryland voters make the final decision.”

Peña-Melnyk said Maryland needs “a durable, transparent constitutional framework for congressional redistricting that reflects the evolving legal landscape.”

“This special session gives the General Assembly the opportunity to respond thoughtfully to recent court decisions while ensuring that Maryland voters have the final say on any proposed constitutional changes,” she said.

Gov. Wes Moore endorsed the special session, saying his administration will work with the General Assembly “to ensure our state has the tools necessary to protect voters and defend fair representation.”

Republican lawmakers criticized the move, saying Democratic leaders are using the special session to pursue partisan goals instead of addressing issues facing Maryland families.

“Governor Moore is dragging lawmakers back to Annapolis in the middle of summer to rewrite the state constitution and silence the last dissenting voice in Maryland’s congressional delegation,” Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey Jr. said in a statement.

Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready said the special session is designed to “erase” that voice and hand national Democrats another seat in the U.S. House.

Maryland’s congressional delegation includes seven Democrats and one Republican, Rep. Andy Harris.

Legislative leaders have not said when they expect to release the proposed constitutional amendment before lawmakers return to Annapolis in August.