Democrats' redistricting push in blue state hits legal snag

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A Maryland court blocked Democrats from adding a congressional redistricting initiative to the November ballot on Wednesday.

The Democrat-backed effort would have allowed Maryland residents to vote on an amendment to the state constitution to let lawmakers redraw district maps ahead of the 2028 elections.

The amendment would have removed the requirement that congressional districts be compact and follow “natural boundaries.” Democrats already control seven of Maryland’s eight congressional districts.

MARYLAND’S LONE CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN BLASTS MOORE’S REDISTRICTING PUSH AS ALLEGED 2028 WHITE HOUSE PLAY

The lone Republican, Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., represents the district situated the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and the change would allow Democrats to reshape his district.

County Circuit Court Judge Robert Thompson ruled that Democrats had violated state deadlines for adding ballot measures. Earlier this year, Maryland Democrats passed a law requiring the Maryland secretary of state to certify ballot summaries by July 1, but the amendment was submitted after that date.

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The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus released a statement praising the ruling on Wednesday.

“The case has never been about preventing Marylanders from having a voice, it’s been about ensuring that before voters are asked to amend the constitution, the state first complies with the constitution and the election procedures established by law,” the statement read, according to Fox 5 DC.

REDISTRICTING WAR INTENSIFIES AS GOP SUFFERS SETBACKS IN TWO STATES

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at a New Hampshire Democrats delegation breakfast, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, on August 22, 2024

The Maryland ruling is the latest development in a nationwide battle over redistricting that first started in Texas.

Republicans and Democrats are vying for any and every advantage leading into the 2026 midterm elections.

A similar effort by Democrats was struck down in Virginia earlier this year by the state supreme court. Texas successfully redrew its maps in favor of Republicans, while California did the same in favor of Democrats.