Democratic leaders in Maryland are considering a congressional redistricting that could result in eight Democrats representing the state in Congress, Politico reported Nov. 9.
The state’s current congressional delegation has seven Democrats and one Republican, First District Rep. Andy Harris. Prior to the 2010 redistricting, there were two Republicans representing Maryland, one in western Maryland and one in the First District, which includes the Eastern Shore.
The Maryland General Assembly, with solid Democratic majorities, will have the final say on the districts for Congress, Maryland Senate, and Maryland House of Delegates.
The legislature’s redistricting advisory commission has additional public hearings scheduled through mid-November, but is expected to release a draft congressional map this week, according to Politico.
A citizens redistricting commission appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan has completed its work and proposed a congressional map with six Democratic districts and two Republican districts.
The General Assembly will begin meeting Dec. 6 in a special session to map the congressional districts.
Jeanne Marie says
That doesn’t sound very illegal. Doesn’t sound very democratic. Sounds very shady and like something they have accused other states of doing.
Henry Herr says
Truthfully I hope they gerrymander Maryland so bad that the Supreme Court takes up the case again. Rules should be made for this.
Al Kampmeyer says
Democrats should let their choices for re-mapping be heard and and voice support for option 3. Then maybe we can get rid of Andy Trump Harris once and for all. Redistricting like this is no different than what the Republikkkans in Texas and elsewhere are doing – it’s politics.
Bob Parker says
While I believe, in contrast to the Supreme Court ruling, partisan, political, gerrymandering IS unconstitutional, I also believe all parties must follow the same rules. Unfortunately, that means adhering to the lowest common denominator as currently practiced by the GOP. So, the Dems have license to gerrymander any and all Republicans out of office. Until Manchin, Sinema et Al. Reform the filibuster to pass voting rights/ protection laws, gerrymandering will remain the law of the land.