Maryland Lawmakers to Hold Special Session on Redistricting Amendment Requiring Voter Approval

Maryland lawmakers will convene a special legislative session from August 3 to 5 to consider a constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting. Legislative leaders announced the session on July 7. The amendment is intended to address a 2022 court ruling that struck down an earlier map and to establish parameters for future map revisions.

Democrats currently hold seven of the state's eight U.S. House seats. The sole Republican representative is Andy Harris. The Democratic-led General Assembly approved a new congressional map in the state House earlier this year that would have made it easier for Democrats to win all eight seats, but the measure did not advance in the Senate.

House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk stated that Maryland needs a durable, transparent constitutional framework for congressional redistricting that reflects the evolving legal landscape. She added that the session gives the General Assembly the opportunity to respond thoughtfully to recent court decisions while ensuring that Maryland voters have the final say on any proposed constitutional changes.

House, The Washington Times reported. If the amendment passes both chambers by a three-fifths vote and is approved by voters in November, lawmakers could later revisit congressional maps under the new parameters. Legislative leaders did not release the text of the proposed amendment.