Maryland Congressional Redistricting Challenge

An anti-voting lawsuit seeking to block a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting from appearing on the November ballot. 

Background

Republican voters filed a lawsuit in state court challenging a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting from being placed on the ballot in November. Plaintiffs assert state law requires the secretary of state to prepare and certify all ballot questions by July 1, and the legislature did not pass the proposed amendment until Aug. 5. Plaintiffs also argue that the submission of a technical provision in the bill – which eliminates this certification deadline, among other procedural requirements – violates state law. The lawsuit seeks to block the proposed amendment from being placed on the November ballot.

Why It Matters

Gov. Wes Moore (D) called this special session directly in response to President Donald Trump’s redistricting push in Republican-led states. The proposed amendment does not establish a new congressional map, but gives Maryland voters the opportunity to eliminate constitutional obstacles that could open a path for the legislature to counter Republican gerrymanders enacted across the country for the 2028 election.

Latest Updates

• Sept. 3, 2026: The Maryland Supreme Court heard arguments, and reversed the lower court’s Aug. 26 order, ruling that the redistricting measure will appear on the November ballot.
• Aug. 26, 2026: The court granted plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment but stayed the injunction pending appeal to the Maryland Supreme Court. Defendants appealed to the Maryland Supreme Court.
• Aug. 25, 2026: The court will hold a hearing on parties’ motions for summary judgment.
• Aug. 6, 2026: Republican voters filed their complaint.