DEVELOPING: MD House of Delegates Passes Congressional Redistricting Bill

Image Courtesy of Del. Wayne Hartman

MARYLAND – The Maryland House of Delegates has passed House Bill (HB) 2100, advancing a proposed constitutional amendment that will allow the State’s voters to decide whether to pass new standards governing congressional redistricting.

The bill, passed by a vote of 96-38, will put redistricting terms on the ballot this fall, with proposed changes dictating maps to be redrawn every five years instead of ten; a process referred to as mid-decade redistricting. It does not establish a congressional map, redraw any district boundaries, or make changes affecting the 2026 General Election. 

“Today, the House has acted on its constitutional responsibility to meet this moment,” said Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21). “[HB 2100] simply clarifies Maryland law and gives voters the opportunity to decide whether our Constitution should provide the same legal framework available to other states as they confront the realities of congressional redistricting.”

Across the country, many states have adopted mid-decade congressional redistricting plans, including California, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and more, with some states enacting new maps prior to the 2026 General Election and without sending the issue to a public referendum. Democratic leadership says HB 2100 ensures Maryland is not constrained by uncertainty in its own constitutional language while other states continue to act under applicable federal law.

“Our job was to answer a legal question, not a political one. When constitutional language creates uncertainty, the legislature has a responsibility to provide clarity,” said Delegate Melissa Wells (D-District 40), Chair of the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee. “That’s exactly what this bill does, and ultimately we’re trusting Maryland voters to decide whether we’ve gotten it right.”

However, Republican delegates condemned the vote on Tuesday afternoon. In a message posted to social media, Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-District 38C) called it “another frustrating day in Annapolis,” and called the vote partisan in nature.

“Maryland hits a new low calling a special session to ultimately gerrymander the Congressional districts so there is no Republican representation at the Federal level,” Delegate Hartman wrote. “Maryland has so many important issues to address and no other subject could be raised based on the rules set by the Democrat party.”

HB 2100 now heads to the Senate for its consideration. If finalized in the second chamber, the proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the Nov. 2026 General Election ballot, where Maryland voters will determine whether to adopt the constitutional changes.

WMDT will continue to update this story as new details are made available.