Maryland Democrats are weighing a new congressional map that could eliminate the state’s lone GOP seat.
Rep. Andy Harris, who represents the Eastern Shore, is the only Republican in Maryland’s eight-member delegation and could be targeted under the proposed changes. Gov. Wes Moore has voiced support, with Maryland Democrats framing the move as retaliation for GOP redistricting efforts, such as attempts to unseat Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) in Kansas City.
“It’s being discussed, obviously,” Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said to Punchbowl News. “If we could do it, I’d be supportive.”
“The Missouri legislature is meeting with the explicit and sole purpose of trying to draw Congressman Cleaver out of his district,” Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., told Punchbowl. “Our delegation hasn’t met yet, but we are going to meet to discuss what we should do about this.”
Redrawing Maryland’s map could force Democrats like Reps. Sarah Elfreth (Annapolis) and Kweisi Mfume (Baltimore) to give up some of their voters. Democrats tried to gerrymander out Rep. Andy Harris in 2022, but the state Supreme Court, dominated by appointees of former GOP Gov. Larry Hogan, struck it down and could likely block future efforts again.
Additionally, Republicans in Indiana and Kansas have also considered redrawing their maps to get more GOP-aligned seats.
