Maryland, My Maryland

AP, Maryland Democrats begin advancing redistricting constitutional amendment

Democrats who control the Maryland Legislature began advancing legislation Monday intended to clear the way for a partisan redistricting process that could help their party pick up an additional U.S. House seat by 2028.

The General Assembly heard hours of debate and testimony on a proposed constitutional amendment intended to give Democrats greater latitude to draw congressional maps favoring their party, which already represents seven of the state’s eight House districts. The legislation was expected to reach a vote on final passage Tuesday, and the proposed changes to the state constitution would have to be approved by voters before lawmakers could begin considering new district lines.

Deep blue Maryland’s move is the latest turn in the national battle over redistricting, which kicked off a year ago and has reshaped the U.S. House map ahead of this year’s midterms.

Leaders of the General Assembly — who have been vague about their future plans for redrawing districts but in recent years have attempted to craft 8-0 maps — have characterized their proposal as an attempt to make sure Maryland is well-positioned to respond to redistricting by red states and contribute to efforts to elect Democrats who could serve as a check on the Trump administration.

The state’s Republicans called the proposed amendment a blatant power grab aimed at ousting Maryland’s lone GOP representative in Congress, Rep. Andy Harris.

“Gerrymandering is wrong. Whether it’s in a red state, a blue state — it’s just wrong,” said state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza.

I suppose after the mid-decade redistricting by states like Texas and Florida, we should expect revenge. However, both Texas and Florida refrained from eliminating representation from Democrats. Maryland, which is about 60:40 D:R was already heavily gerrymandered, with 7:1 D representation. I wonder if Florida or Texas would have time to steal another seat in return?

The sole Republican district in Maryland is on the Eastern shore, dominated by fishing and agricultural. I can easily see a flotilla of watermen storming Annapolis from the water, and farmers surrounding the Capitol with farm equipment in response for losing their representation. That would be fun!