Dan Schwartz stands by opposition to Question 3 despite mailer’s ‘Yes on 3’ message

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A mailer from the Maryland Democratic Party features congressional candidate Dan Schwartz beside a “Yes on 3” message, even though Schwartz has repeatedly said he opposes the ballot measure.

The mailer promotes candidates backed by the state party. Its disclaimer says it was paid for by the Maryland Democratic Party and “authorized by Dan Schwartz for Congress.”

In an interview with FOX45 News In Depth earlier this month, Schwartz confirmed he opposed Question 3. He said Democrats should compete for voters in the Frist District instead of changing its boundaries.

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“We have to show up and fight for our votes instead of picking and choosing our votes,” Schwartz said.

Question 3 would amend Maryland’s Constitution to change the rules for drawing congressional districts. Supporters say it would help Maryland respond to efforts by President Donald Trump and Republicans in other states to redraw maps.

Critics warn it could lead to a new map designed to give Democrats an advantage in all eight of Maryland’s congressional districts. The state’s First District, where Schwartz is challenging Republican Congressman Andy Harris, is currently the only one represented by a Republican.

Supporters, including Gov. Wes Moore, have framed the measure as a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states under President Donald Trump. The Maryland Supreme Court allowed Question 3 to remain on the ballot after a legal challenge over its wording, but required revised language.

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The measure has also faced skepticism from voters. In an October UMBC poll, 53% of respondents said they planned to vote against Question 3, compared with 25% who supported it; 22% were undecided. Critics of mid-cycle redistricting warn it could give Democrats an advantage in all eight of Maryland’s congressional districts.

Asked whether the mailer could confuse voters about his position, Schwartz said, “that’s certainly not the intent.”

“The Maryland Democratic Party is their own organization. I have very limited control over the mail that it sends,” he explained. “I’m featured on their mailing because I’m the Democratic candidate. That does not mean that I agree with the party on everything, and I especially do not on Question 3.”

I oppose Question Three. I’ve opposed it from the start, Schwartz said.

The Maryland Democratic Party said it is urging Marylanders to vote for Schwartz and vote yes on Question 3 “to put a stop to Donald Trump.” The party said Trump’s policies have raised prices on items including gas and groceries.

The party’s statement did not address what it understood about Schwartz’s position when it produced and distributed the mailer, or whether it believed the mailer could confuse voters.

Schwartz said the party has long viewed Question 3 as a way to help Democrats win the First District, but he has disagreed. He said the party is not telling him what to do and that he is running to represent the district as it is currently drawn.

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