Legislators return to Annapolis for special session on redistricting

Salisbury, Md. – Legislators are heading back to the Maryland State House from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 for a special session devoted entirely to the question of whether or not to put redistricting on the ballot this fall.

“We have a memo from the Senate President explaining that only bills can be requested that specifically deal with congressional districting,” State Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-District 37). “No other legislation, no other issues can be requested for legislative drafting.”

Republican Del. Wayne Hartman, who represents Wicomico and Worcester Counties, calls it “partisan politics.”

“When you have the majority of your representation, federal representation already in one party to try to eliminate that last remaining Republican,” Hartman said. “You know, there are Republicans in Maryland, and their voice deserves to be heard.”

Governor Wes Moore is a strong supporter of redistricting in response to Republican-led states trying to change their maps ahead of the midterms.

“Across the country, we are watching coordinated efforts to weaken voting rights, dilute Black representation, and bend the rules of democracy for partisan gain — at the very moment when core protections of the Voting Rights Act have been gutted and the right to fair representation is under assault,” Moore said in a statement released by his office. “Until we have national redistricting reform, Maryland will not be caught flat-footed.”

However, Mautz said he does not support what he calls “gerrymandering” on either side of the aisle.

“Gerrymandering is the original political sin,” he said. “Republicans have committed this sin as many times as Democrats. ” Mautz said he would not support the measure even if Republicans were in the majority.

Moore said he will continue to work closely with the General Assembly as they consider legislation to “ensure our state has the tools necessary to protect voters and defend fair representation.”