BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The possibility of Maryland lawmakers returning to Annapolis this summer appears to be growing as legislative leaders prepare to discuss whether a special session is needed to address redistricting and election-related issues.
In a letter obtained by FOX45 News, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk asked lawmakers to keep portions of their schedules open in July and early August while leadership considers next steps.
The Speaker said she and Senate President Bill Ferguson plan to meet following next week’s primary election “to discuss whether circumstances warrant convening a special session.”
While no decision has been made, lawmakers have been asked to reserve July 16-22 and July 30-Aug. 5 on their calendars, with a preference for the earlier timeframe.
Speaking with FOX45 News, Ferguson confirmed that Senate Democrats will meet after the primary election to discuss whether lawmakers should return to Annapolis.
“I’ve been clear that we’re going to bring the caucus together after the primary to have a conversation about what the best path forward is,” Ferguson said.
The discussion comes after months of debate over whether Maryland should revisit its congressional districts in the middle of the decade.
Earlier this year, the House passed a new congressional map, eyeing giving Democrats an 8-0 advantage, as opposed to the current 7-1 map. That effort failed to move forward during session, meeting the stonewall from the Senate.
For months, Ferguson resisted calls from Gov. Wes Moore’s administration and other Maryland Democrats to engage in a mid-cycle redistricting effort.
However, Ferguson said a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision involving the Voting Rights Act changed the conversation.
“The Supreme Court acted. We in Maryland have to address having a new constitutional standard for voting rights, and so that does require a constitutional amendment to Maryland’s Constitution,” Ferguson told FOX45 News. “That’s something that we, I believe, should contemplate having on the November ballot.”
Ferguson argued that actions taken by other states following the ruling have raised broader concerns about minority voting power.
When asked whether his own re-election campaign influenced his position on the issue, Ferguson rejected the suggestion.
“No, not at all,” Ferguson said. “The reality is the case came out in May, and so it was a legal change.”
In a statement to FOX45 News, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey said Marylanders “are tired of Democrat leaders flip-flopping about partisan map-drawing to intentionally eliminate two-party representation.”
Hershey argued that if lawmakers are called back to Annapolis, the focus should instead be on economic concerns facing Maryland families.
“If lawmakers are brought back to Annapolis, it should be to deliver relief for Maryland families,” he said.
“Maryland families are struggling with affordability, and they expect action on the issues that impact their daily lives,” Hershey continued. “If a Special Session is convened, our caucus will be ready to introduce legislation that actually lowers costs—not one that plays into partisan politics.”
Ferguson pushed back on those criticisms, arguing affordability issues were addressed during the regular legislative session.
The Speaker’s letter makes clear that no final decision has been made regarding a special session. Peña-Melnyk told lawmakers that leadership will provide additional information after discussions between House and Senate leaders and after each caucus has been briefed.
If a special session is called, the Speaker said she does not expect lawmakers to remain in Annapolis for more than a couple of days.
Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.
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