Maryland moves forward with redistricting plan that would eliminate state’s last GOP seat

Maryland Democrats took a major step toward eliminating the state’s last GOP-held U.S. House seat Tuesday, as a governor-appointed redistricting commission approved a new congressional map aimed at countering nationwide GOP gerrymanders ahead of the 2026 elections.

The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission, appointed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) and chaired by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D), voted to recommend a new congressional map to the Maryland General Assembly that would move the state from a 7–1 Democratic congressional delegation to an 8–0 delegation, leaving no GOP-held seats.

“At a moment when other states are moving aggressively to redraw maps, and when fundamental voting rights protections face renewed threats, Maryland has a responsibility to lead with urgency,” Alsobrooks said in a statement following the commission’s approval. “Our goal is to ensure our congressional delegation reflects the will of the people, protects representation for historically underrepresented communities, and gives Marylanders a Congress that can serve as a real check on this President.”

Under the proposed plan, the state’s lone Republican district would be redrawn to favor Democratic candidates, effectively eliminating the GOP’s final foothold in Maryland’s congressional delegation.

The commission’s recommendation, which emerged after months of internal party debate, now heads to the state’s Democratic-controlled legislature. If lawmakers enact the proposal, Maryland would join a growing number of states modifying congressional boundaries mid-decade — outside the once-a-decade census process that typically governs redistricting.

National Democrats have framed these efforts as a defensive response to a wave of GOP-led mid-decade gerrymanders in states such as Texas, North Carolina and, soon, Florida. Those moves, ordered by President Donald Trump, are designed to secure a Republican U.S. House majority heading into the 2026 midterms.

The next step is a legislative process that could play out over the coming weeks in Annapolis. The Maryland General Assembly would need to draft, pass and send the new map to Moore for signature before it could become law. 

Unlike California and Virginia, Maryland lawmakers can enact the map directly through ordinary legislation — without a statewide referendum. But supporters say public participation remains central as the proposal moves forward.

“All Marylanders — regardless of party, background, or zip code — can engage with this process, see the options, and make their voice heard,” Alsobrooks added. “This vote is not the end of public input — it’s a next step forward. We encourage Marylanders to continue participating, reviewing the proposed map, and sharing feedback as the General Assembly debates and votes on this map.”

If enacted, the map could net Democrats an additional U.S. House seat from Maryland, even as GOP redistricting efforts in other states threaten Democratic incumbents elsewhere. Maryland’s move adds another flashpoint to what has become a rapidly escalating national redistricting arms race.