ANNAPOLIS–Maryland progressives are calling for the state to join a handful of others and create new congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“This state has a history of leading the nation in education, in justice, in progress,” said Portia Allen-Kyle, a leader with Color of Change. “And you can lead again by standing up for fair representation and calling a special session for redistricting right now.”
The calls for redistricting are not unique to Maryland. As of now, 13 states are on a path to possibly redrawing their congressional maps.
Over the summer, President Trump urged Texas to redraw their congressional maps to more heavily favor Republicans, in the hopes of keeping control of the House in next year’s midterm elections.
This sent states across the country into a frenzy, with California passing its Proposition 50 on Tuesday, allowing for a new legislature-drawn map.
On Wednesday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the creation of a redistricting advisory committee to discuss redrawing congressional maps for midterm elections.
At a news conference in Annapolis on Thursday, community members and local organizations specifically urged Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (D – Baltimore City) to call a special session for this purpose.
Sen. Ferguson’s office did not immediately respond to request for comment.
“This isn’t even just about maps. It’s really about power,” said Christianne Marguerite, the director of communications at Progressive Maryland. “It’s about whether our communities – marginalized people, working families, all of us – have a voice in our democracy.”