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Maryland Senate President Resists Jeffries’ Push to Oust State’s Only GOP Congressman
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has pushed back against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map in a way that would effectively eliminate the state’s lone Republican-held district.
Jeffries traveled to Annapolis Wednesday to meet with Maryland state leaders about redistricting before the 2026 midterm elections. His visit represents one of the most public campaigns by a high-ranking Democratic leader to pressure a fellow Democrat in the ongoing nationwide redistricting battles.
“It’s precisely because we want Leader Jeffries in the majority that most members in the Maryland Senate Democratic Caucus do not support moving forward with mid-cycle redistricting that will backfire in our State courts and lose Democrats in Congress,” Ferguson said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
Ferguson has maintained this position since last year, when he warned fellow state Democrats about the legal vulnerabilities of mid-cycle redistricting. In a letter, he cautioned that such action presents “a reality where the legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic, and the certainty of our existing map would be undermined.”
The redistricting effort in question targets the district of Representative Andy Harris, Maryland’s only Republican in Congress and the current leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. If successful, the new map recommended by Governor Wes Moore’s redistricting commission would redraw district lines to make Harris’s seat more favorable to Democrats.
Moore has publicly called for Ferguson to at least allow a vote on the new map, regardless of the outcome.
“As someone who fought for this country and someone who fought for democracy, I just believe in fighting for democracy, and I think that requires a vote, no matter how the vote turns out,” Moore stated. “It frankly doesn’t matter, but just vote. And so I think that was also the message that Leader Jeffries shared with the Senate President.”
Jeffries echoed this sentiment when speaking to reporters, saying, “It’s our view, and I believe this is the view that has been clearly and decisively shared by Governor Wes Moore, that the best course of action at this moment is to allow an up-or-down vote in the Maryland State Senate.” He also suggested that Ferguson’s decision might not be final, noting ongoing discussions on the matter.
The Maryland situation reflects a broader redistricting battle erupting across the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Traditionally, congressional redistricting occurs every ten years following the census, but several states are now engaging in mid-cycle map changes that could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress.
Both Texas and California have already moved to redraw their congressional maps to benefit Republicans and Democrats respectively. Similar efforts in Indiana, backed by President Donald Trump, were rejected by Republican state legislators, but other states including Virginia, Florida, and Ohio could still pursue redistricting changes.
For his part, Representative Harris has vowed to fight any redistricting plan that threatens his seat. “Wes, we’ll see you in court,” the Freedom Caucus leader declared last month, promising legal challenges if the new map gains approval.
The outcome in Maryland could have significant implications for control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. Democrats see redistricting as a potential path to regaining the majority, while Republicans are making similar moves in states they control.
Despite the political pressure from Jeffries and Moore, Ferguson appears resolute in his position that mid-cycle redistricting in Maryland carries too many legal and political risks for Democrats to pursue at this time.
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12 Comments
Redistricting is a complex issue with significant implications for representation and democracy. It’s encouraging to see Democratic leaders like Ferguson stand up to partisan gerrymandering attempts, even within their own party. Maintaining fair and competitive districts should be a non-negotiable priority.
Absolutely. Kudos to Ferguson for resisting pressure from Jeffries and upholding democratic values. Redistricting battles require principled leadership and a commitment to serving the interests of all constituents, not just those of a single party.
Redistricting is a complex issue with significant political implications. I’m glad to see Democratic leaders like Ferguson taking a principled stand against partisan gerrymandering, even within their own party. Maintaining fair and representative districts should be a non-partisan priority.
Absolutely. Kudos to Ferguson for resisting pressure from Jeffries and upholding democratic values. Redistricting battles require statesmanship and a commitment to the broader public good, not just narrow partisan interests.
It’s refreshing to see a Democratic leader like Ferguson challenge his own party on redistricting. Protecting the lone Republican-held district in Maryland seems like the right thing to do, regardless of partisan affiliation. Maintaining competitive districts is important for healthy democracy.
Agreed. Putting principles over party is commendable, especially on an issue as sensitive as redistricting. Ferguson is demonstrating the kind of courage and integrity we need more of in politics.
Redistricting is a complex and often contentious issue. It’s good to see Democratic leaders like Ferguson pushing back against partisan gerrymandering attempts, even from within their own party. Maintaining fair and representative districts is crucial for upholding democratic principles.
I agree. Bipartisanship and principled leadership are needed to ensure redistricting is done in an impartial way that serves the interests of all constituents.
This is a refreshing example of a Democratic leader challenging his own party’s efforts to gain a political advantage through redistricting. Ferguson is right to be concerned about the legal vulnerabilities and potential backlash of such a move. Redistricting should be a transparent, non-partisan process.
Agreed. Putting democratic principles ahead of partisan interests is commendable. Ferguson’s stance demonstrates the kind of courage and integrity we need more of in today’s polarized political landscape.
This highlights the importance of having checks and balances, even within a single party. Kudos to Ferguson for standing up for fair representation and the integrity of the electoral process. Redistricting should be a transparent, non-partisan process.
Absolutely. Redistricting can easily become a partisan power grab, so it’s critical that leaders of all political affiliations work together to uphold democratic norms and principles.