Maryland’s Redistricting Advisory Commission has recommended a new congressional map that would remove the state’s lone GOP-controlled district. The district, currently represented by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), would shift more favorable to Democrats. Maryland’s congressional delegation consists of seven Democrats and one Republican in the House of Representatives.

The map now heads to Maryland’s Democratic-controlled Legislature, where its future remains uncertain due to continued opposition in the state Senate. Maryland Democrats have been split on whether to join the national mid-decade redistricting effort. Gov. Wes Moore (D) and national Democrats have urged state lawmakers to retaliate against GOP-controlled states that drew new maps last year, with the state’s new House speaker, Joseline Peña-Melnyk, supporting this stance.

However, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has repeatedly stated the Democratic caucus will not back a redrawn map, arguing it would be legally risky and could backfire politically. Ferguson sharply criticized the commission’s map proposal Tuesday. “The Governor’s Commission recommended a map today that is objectively unconstitutional and jeopardizes Maryland’s existing map,” he said in a statement. “From the outset, the Senate’s position has been consistent: in this important moment, Maryland cannot risk going backwards by giving the Trump Administration another seat or two in Congress from Maryland’s delegation.”

“At a moment when other states are moving aggressively to redraw maps and fundamental voting rights protections face renewed threats, Maryland has a responsibility to lead with urgency,” Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) stated. “Our goal is to ensure our congressional delegation reflects the will of the people, protects representation for historically underrepresented communities, and gives Marylanders a Congress that can serve as a real check on this President.”

Alsobrooks noted the vote is “not the end of public input,” urging Marylanders to review the proposed map concept and share feedback as it proceeds before the General Assembly. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) spearheaded the redistricting commission late last year after GOP-led redistricting in Texas and a Democrat-friendly response in California intensified the national redistricting fight.

Several other states have pursued mid-cycle redistricting ahead of high-stakes midterms, as Republicans attempt to maintain their narrow control of the House. State lawmakers in nearby Virginia recently passed a constitutional amendment that would allow them to bypass the state’s redistricting commission and redraw a new House map by October 2030.