Governor Moore Moves Forward with Redistricting Advisory Commission

Maryland will formally study mid-cycle redistricting, with Governor Wes Moore announcing a new advisory commission to review the current congressional map, gather public input, and recommend next steps as other states redraw their lines ahead of the 2026 elections.

Governor Wes Moore announced a new Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission to review Maryland’s congressional map and recommend potential changes.

The panel will conduct public hearings, gather input from residents across the state, and deliver recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly.

Several states updated or are considering updates to their congressional maps ahead of 2026, prompting Governor Moore to evaluate whether Maryland’s current congressional boundaries continue to reflect its long-term legal and demographic goals.

Maryland Congressional Districts (Source: Maryland Department of Planning)

“My commitment has been clear from day one—we will explore every avenue possible to make sure Maryland has fair and representative maps,” said Governor Moore. “This commission will ensure the people are heard. I thank those who have raised their hands to lead this process, and I am confident in their ability to gather the views and perspectives of a broad range of voices throughout the state.”

Governor Moore appointed US Senator Angela Alsobrooks as chair, joined by former Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss. Legislative leaders or their designees will also serve on the commission. The group plans to begin work this month.

The commission’s charge includes public outreach, review of Maryland’s current map, and recommendations to support fair and representative districts. According to Governor Moore, this commission follows a model used by then-Governor Martin O’Malley in 2011.

Political Context and Timeline Questions

The announcement arrives during a broader national debate about mid-cycle redistricting and ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Maryland typically adjusts congressional districts once every decade after the US Census, with the next regular redistricting scheduled for after 2030.

A mid-cycle map only moves forward if the General Assembly acts. While the governor has discussed the possibility of a special session, today’s announcement did not reference calling lawmakers back to consider new maps.

If lawmakers consider changes before the 2026 primary, timing will matter. Candidate filing deadlines, ballot preparation requirements, and court review all impose tight windows, especially with the presidential cycle underway.

Legislative Leadership Responds

In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Senate President Bill Ferguson said that the Senate will participate in public listening sessions and community input efforts. He also reiterated his opposition to mid-cycle redistricting, however, raising concerns about legal challenges, election-year deadlines, and the risk of weakening Maryland’s position in Congress.

House Speaker Adrienne Jones has signaled support for exploring mid-cycle redistricting. Last week, she said the debate deserves public input. She noted that closing the door on the issue would “deny our constituents the opportunity to voice their opinion on an issue that goes far beyond their district lines.”

The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus sharply criticized the move. In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey called the commission “a partisan power grab disguised as reform.”

What Comes Next

The commission will announce hearing dates and details for public participation. After collecting input, it will issue recommendations to the governor and General Assembly.

MACo will monitor the process and track any implications for local election administration. Counties run elections, so any changes to filing deadlines, ballot schedules, or voter outreach timelines will require clear guidance and coordination.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.

MACo Winter Conference Session: 2026 General Assembly Forecast

Governor Moore’s new redistricting advisory commission adds another consequential issue to an already crowded 2026 legislative landscape, raising questions about timing, legal exposure, and election administration that lawmakers must navigate in the months ahead. At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, legislative leaders and the administration will preview the upcoming session and outline how major policy decisions, fiscal pressures, and statewide priorities will shape the General Assembly’s work.

MACo’s Winter Conference, “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD, on December 10-12, 2025.