Maryland voters pass Democratic-backed redistricting amendment

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A constitutional amendment passed Tuesday could pave the way for Democratic lawmakers to redraw Maryland's congressional districts ahead of the 2028 election.

Supporters of the amendment touted it as a way to fight back against President Donald Trump's push to reshape U.S. House districts in Republican-led states to the party's advantage. Democratic former President Barack Obama was among those backing the ballot measure.

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The amendment undercuts a 2022 court ruling that struck down a previous Democratic redistricting plan as "extreme partisan gerrymandering." The judge in that case said a constitutional provision requiring compact districts that respect "natural boundaries" applied to congressional districts.

The newly approved amendment applies those parameters only to state legislative districts — allowing greater leeway to manipulate the boundaries for U.S. House districts.

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