ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore, Maryland’s only Black governor, delivered a forceful defense of House Bill 488 on January 27, 2026, testifying before the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee to push for a new congressional map recommended by his bipartisan Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission. The bill seeks to redraw the state’s eight congressional districts mid-decade, a move Moore framed as a necessary response to what he called “political redlining” by President Donald Trump and allies in other states, while emphasizing public input and competition in elections.
Moore appeared alongside bill sponsor Delegate C.T. Wilson (D-Charles County), a commission member, to urge lawmakers to debate, refine if needed, and vote on the proposal. The map, designated as Map #37 by the commission, would substantially alter the 1st and 3rd districts. It extends the currently Republican-held 1st District—represented by Rep. Andy Harris—into Democratic-leaning areas of Anne Arundel and Howard counties, while shifting Republican voters from Cecil and Harford counties. Critics argue this change aims to make the district more competitive for Democrats, potentially eliminating Maryland’s sole Republican congressional seat and creating an 8-0 Democratic delegation in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly 2-1.
The governor’s testimony highlighted the commission’s process, launched November 4, 2025, with public hearings and submissions from Marylanders across political spectrums. He contrasted Maryland’s approach with what he described as unthoughtful, suppressive efforts elsewhere, stating that the recommendation stemmed from “public submissions… public hearings… public feedback.” Moore stressed the map’s goals: fostering competition, accountability, accurate representation of how Marylanders live, and ensuring voices reach Congress as a check on executive power.
Moore directly addressed national politics, criticizing Trump and JD Vance for urging redistricting in ways he said suppress voices, particularly Black leadership. As the nation’s only serving Black governor and third elected Black governor historically, he declared he would not “sit quietly” amid what he called attempts to silence minority elected officials. He accused the federal administration of breaking laws, violating First and Second Amendment tenets, and disenfranchising Americans under misleading slogans, warning that history would judge enablers harshly.
The proposed redistricting draws sharp criticism for clear partisan gerrymandering. Maryland’s congressional maps have faced gerrymandering accusations before; a 2021 map was ruled unconstitutional as “extreme partisan gerrymandering.” The current push, opponents say, manipulates boundaries to dilute Republican strength, especially targeting Harris’s district by combining disparate areas like Ocean City and Columbia. Republican lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, called the map “clearly drawn with purely partisan purposes.” Some testimony accused Moore of a “political stunt” to advance ambitions, and opponents warned of legal risks, potential voter backlash, and costs to Democratic seats if challenged.
The bill includes a safeguard: a statewide referendum in 2026 for voters to approve the boundaries for 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. Rejection would retain the 2022 map until the next census. The House committee advanced the bill after over four hours of testimony, with support leaning toward proponents who argued Maryland must “fight fire with fire” against Republican-led redistricting in states like Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina. However, Senate President Bill Ferguson opposes mid-decade changes as risky and potentially unconstitutional, creating a divide among Democrats. No Senate companion bill exists, limiting progress.
Moore positioned the effort as protecting democracy amid threats, urging passage to reflect Marylanders’ will and counter executive overreach. The proposal remains contentious, balancing calls for fairness against charges of manipulation in a politically charged national environment.