ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Redistricting and gerrymandering have been hot topics of discussion across America over the last few weeks. The conversation was sparked by Texas’ mid-decade redistricting plans, a result of court cases against maps drawn earlier this decade and influence from The White House. Texas Governor Greg Abbott [R] signed a new map into law following a special session on August 29.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore [D] has also since expressed interest in redrawing Maryland’s districts, noting that he won’t rule it out if Texas went through with its plan. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom [D] has continuously denounced the idea, committing to do what he can to redraw California’s maps in favor of Democrats.
President Donald Trump [R] has publicly encouraged redistricting in Texas over the past several months, insisting that Texas Republicans were entitled to the five extra seats.
The president explained his position further in a message to CNBC’s Squawk Box:
“In California, it’s all gerrymandered. And we have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats.”
Following the Texas move, Moore made a comment to WBAL NewsRadio, telling the outlet, “I’ve been very clear that in the state of Maryland, all options are on the table about how we respond, but the fact that we even have to have this conversation in the first place because of what Washington is now continuing to inspire all over the country, it’s just deeply unfortunate.”
While Trump supports redistricting in select red states, he has pushed back against states like California redrawing their own maps. In a clip posted to KCAL News, Trump explained that he plans to ask the Supreme Court to block California’s redistricting plans.
“I think I’m going to be filing a lawsuit. We’re going to be filing it through the Department of Justice,” Trump said.
Following discussions to redraw districts in California and Maryland in favor of the Democratic Party, lawmakers in Missouri and Florida have also expressed interest in redistricting their states. Though only a handful of states are currently considering redistricting to aid their majority party, the increase in states weighing this option is expected to increasingly inspire similar measures across the country.
It can be noted that mid-decade redistricting is not prohibited by the U.S. Constitution or federal law, a point reiterated in a 2006 court decision out of Texas. While it has been extremely rare in recent history, several examples of mid-decade redistricting can be found throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Senator Lam Files Redistricting Bill in Maryland
State Senator Clarence Lam [D-Anne Arundel, Howard] pre-filed a bill on Aug. 27, aimed at redrawing Maryland’s congressional districts, a first step in countering Republican efforts in other states. This follows comments by other Maryland General Assembly members who share Lam’s sentiment.
“I think it’s important to demonstrate to other states that are contemplating this that Maryland stands ready to act, just like California did to help neutralize the efforts that have been taking place in Texas,” Lam said in an interview with DC News Now. “I think now is an appropriate time to indicate that no other state should step forward to do this (redistricting), because if they do, we stand ready to move forward as well.”
The BayNet reached out to Lam to see why he believes now is the time for redistricting in Maryland.
“I believe that if some break the norm of only redistricting every 10 years, Maryland must be willing to do the same,” Lam said. “My constituents do not want their influence in Congress diluted because the president is pressuring some states to redraw their maps.”
How Would Redistricting Affect Maryland?
Redistricting in Maryland wouldn’t have the same effect as it would in many other states, as Maryland currently only has one Republican member of its eight-person Congressional Delegation.
Earlier this month, that lone Republican Congressman Andy Harris, who currently represents Maryland’s Eastern Shore, warned that redrawing Maryland’s lines could backfire on Democrats through court cases or weaker political districts.
“If the Democrats want to roll the dice, let them roll the dice,” Harris told The Baltimore Sun. “I look forward to having more Republican colleagues from the state in Congress, and I think that’s what the result is going to be.”
In Maryland, redistricting likely wouldn’t have a huge effect on residents, though it could tip congressional control even further toward Democrats in an already majority-blue state. Additionally, the location of local polling stations may shift if congressional districts are redrawn.
The Maryland General Assembly is the guiding force behind redistricting whenever necessary, but it is still unclear if Maryland will actually redraw its congressional districts mid-decade, and going into an election year.
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This is not a good move! It’s a “Moore see, Moore do” power grab. Have at it governor! The only Heaven you’ll see is the few moments it will take for your final judgment. After that, I hope you like hot weather…
Spending our tax dollars to help carryout political agendas should be a felony.
Look at Spendy Hoyer’s district and tell us how much more gerrymandering you can do.