August 27, 2026

Good News: Anne Arundel County Judge Blocks MD Redistricting Amendment – Appeal Coming

Yesterday, an Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge blocked Maryland’s proposed congressional redistricting amendment from appearing on the November ballot, which Democrats in Annapolis pushed for and successfully passed during a Special Session just three weeks ago as House Bill 2100. Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey and I were both plaintiffs on the lawsuit.

The goal of this constitutional amendment proposal was to eliminate the guardrails that currently govern how congressional districts are drawn, clearing the way to eliminate Maryland’s only Republican voice in Congress. Below is the decision.

The Senate Republican Caucus issued the following press release including statements from myself and Senate Leader Steve Hershey:

Judge Robert Thompson found that lawmakers failed to comply with the July 1 deadline established by Senate Bill 29, a law the General Assembly passed unanimously, Governor Moore signed, and which took effect June 1. Rejecting the State’s argument that the deadline did not apply, Judge Thompson concluded that HB 2100 was legally deficient because lawmakers “did not follow the very laws” they had enacted.

The judge also found the ballot language was “intentionally misleading,” specifically objecting to the claim that the amendment merely “clarifies” Maryland’s constitutional redistricting standards.

However, the ruling has been temporarily stayed to give the State an opportunity to appeal to the Supreme Court of Maryland. As a result, the amendment’s place on the November ballot remains unresolved. Maryland’s highest court will ultimately have the final say on whether voters will consider the amendment in November.

It is an honor to represent you in the Maryland Senate. As always, feel free to reach out to my office anytime with questions or concerns. Please be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X for the most up-to-date information.

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