Larry Hogan calls Maryland redistricting proposal an attack on fair elections

MARYLAND — As Maryland lawmakers returned to Annapolis Monday for a special legislative session focused on congressional redistricting, former Gov. Larry Hogan weighed in with his pen.

In a guest commentary published by The Baltimore Sun, Hogan argued the special session has one purpose, “attempting to change the Constitution” to give the Democratic Party “an unfair election advantage” so they can realize their “goal of pushing the last Republican member of Congress out of office.”

Hogan went on to say he’s fought this battle before. As governor, he backed an independent congressional map. Democratic lawmakers instead approved their own map, which was later struck down in court after a judge ruled it was “a product of extreme partisan gerrymandering.”

Political analyst John Dedie said one aspect of Hogan’s commentary immediately stood out.

“The thing that jumped out to me right away was he did not use the following words: Trump, Moore, or Harris,” Dedie said, “It was a bipartisan history lesson of why this is a terrible thing to do and a terrible idea.”

Gov. Wes Moore has defended the proposal as a response to Republican-led states that have redrawn congressional districts, saying Maryland is working to protect voting rights. Hogan rejected that argument, writing, “You do not answer an abuse of power elsewhere with an abuse of power in Maryland.” He also urged lawmakers to reject the proposal, writing, “Fair maps took years to win in Maryland. Partisan politicians lost in court. They should not be allowed to rewrite the Constitution because they won’t give up.”

“I thought it was an outstanding letter from all points of view as far as how he laid out the case for why this should not happen and basically how it is harming American democracy,” said Dedie.

The commentary marks a rare political intervention from Hogan, who has largely stayed out of Maryland politics since his unsuccessful U.S. Senate bid. Still, Dedie said he doubts the message will sway lawmakers.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s going to move the needle because I think it’s about 2028 politics. They’re doing this for Wes Moore so he can check the box when he runs for president,” said Dedie.