An Anne Arundel County judge ruled Wednesday that Maryland Democrats’ congressional redistricting initiative cannot be put to voters on this November’s general election ballot.
Circuit Court Judge Robert Thompson argued that the push to redraw Maryland’s congressional map ran afoul of the state’s legal procedures to propose such an amendment.
However, Judge Thompson left open the possibility for appeals to be handled by the Maryland Supreme Court.
The ruling gives a momentary victory to the state’s Republican minority, which tried in vain to thwart the redistricting effort this month in the General Assembly controlled by a Democratic supermajority.
The amendment, if passed, would change state laws to let Maryland join the redistricting arms race in the 2028 election.
Several states across the country redrew their congressional maps ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
Maryland Democrats already hold seven of the state’s eight congressional seats. Prominent Republican Rep. Andy Harris’ district would likely be targeted in the redistricting effort if the amendment is enacted.
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