Redistricting in Maryland may not be done just yet as Gov. Wes Moore continues to try and put the state in the middle of the national conversation, even after lawmakers left Annapolis for the regular 2026 session.
Moore was in North Carolina over the weekend delivering the commencement address at Johnson C Smith University. During his speech, the governor called on graduates to fight for something amidst the “greatest assault on Black voter representation that we have seen in generations.”
“We are watching political redlining happening in real time,” Moore said during his remarks. “With states re-examining maps, I have been clear from day one. If there is going to be a national conversation about fair maps across our nation, then my state, the state of Maryland, would be part of that conversation. And Maryland is still very much going to be a part of that conversation.”
It’s not clear how exactly his comments about Maryland will be part of the conversation after the House-passed new congressional map failed to get enough support in the state Senate.
Before the 2026 legislative session unfolded, Gov. Moore launched a redistricting commission that held several virtual meetings and ultimately arrived at the decision to move forward with drawing new boundaries.
Throughout the fall, Senate President Bill Ferguson maintained his skepticism about Maryland jumping into the mix with redistricting, often citing legal concerns at the state level that could pose problems for Democrats, he argued.
Throughout session, Ferugson maintained his opposition, and held that other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus weren’t convinced either. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires paid Ferguson a visit in Annapolis during session, and the House of Delegates passed a version of a new map. Neither did much in swaying Ferguson.
But Moore hasn’t given up the fight. While appearing on POLITICO’s ‘On the Road’ video series – shot at Baltimore’s Koko’s Pub – the governor doubled down on his commitment to the issue and was even asked by host Jonathan Martin if there would be an endorsement coming for Ferguson’s primary opponent, Bobby LaPin.
“I think [Ferguson] really knows how much I need for the Senate to take seriously this moment,” Moore said in response.
So, has Ferguson moved at all on redistricting? A special session to redraw the congressional boundaries in Maryland, like some lawmakers have called for, likely isn’t going to happen this year, especially given the primary timeline.
However, Ferguson has had conversations with Gov. Moore and “relayed that he was open to a conversation about next steps,” according to David Schuhlein. But Ferugson needed to talk about any steps “with Senate leadership, as well as rank and file members of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” Schuhlein said.
“He also noted the need to consult with the Attorney General about the legal realities after the Supreme Court’s [Voting Rights Act] decision,” Schulein added.
He is as outraged as the Governor about what is happening in the country and understands that the stakes are even higher, the statement from Schuhlein continued.
It’s possible a constitutional amendment may be floated this year, but that would require 29 senators to be in lock step with the plan, before putting it before voters in November. Regardless of whether that happens, political analyst John Dedie said he won’t be surprised if boundary-shifting talk resurfaces next year.
“I think it’s going to be item one in 2027, and it will be called Senate Bill number one. I think they’re going to make a big push to do this,” Dedie said.
Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.
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