August 19, 2026

Ready Report: Fight is On in Court Over Redistricting Amendment, Local News & More…

I hope you and your family are doing well here as we get closer to the end of the summer. School will soon be back in and we’re all turning towards the Fall season. I’ve got an update on the fight over redistricting – including details about lawsuits that have been filed due to Maryland Democrats violating new laws about constitutional amendments that was JUST passed by a bipartisan, unanimous majority. See below as well as other local news, including opportunities to serve on local boards and commissions and a proposed road closure hearing.

Lawsuits filed against Gerrymandering Constitutional Amendment – the Fight is On:

Almost immediately following Special Session, lawsuits were filed against Governor Moore and Democrat leadership’s effort to pass a Constitutional Amendment (would be Question 3 on the ballot) this Fall that removes Maryland Declaration of Rights protections against gerrymandering. I am a signer on one of the lawsuits, and every Republican state legislator supports the effort – the lawsuit’s main focus is the fact that Democrats are violating the very law we just passed unanimously and Governor Moore signed that sets up clear timelines and public testimony requirements for ballot initiatives. We were well past those timelines when the Special Session convened and when Democrats realized it they added an amendment to the bill to say that this ballot initiative could pass “notwithstanding any other provision of law.”

Below is a link to watch a floor speech I made explaining the issue and attempting to remove that language – my amendment failed but we are pursuing every legal option because it’s clear the Democratic supermajority is attempting to go around the law.

Click here to watch the full floor speech. 

Carroll County Seeks Citizens for Boards and Commissions

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BoC) is seeking Carroll County citizens to immediately fill several openings on county boards and commissions. Citizen input is critical to the success of local government, and Carroll County Government needs residents’ skills, enthusiasm, knowledge, and fresh ideas.

Immediate openings are available for the following Boards and Commissions: Click on the name of interest for details:

*** Business representatives with “optimum policy-making authority.” An individual who can reasonably be expected to speak affirmatively on behalf of the entity he or she represents and to commit that entity to a chosen course of action.

Advantages to joining a board or commission include making a difference in your community, helping facilitate positive change, gaining new skills, making great connections, and learning more about how your local government works.

Learn more and apply online by clicking here, or contact the Boards & Commissions Coordinator at [email protected] or 410-386-2043.

Public Hearing on Proposal to Close Portion of Old Baltimore Rd.

The County Commissioners of Carroll County will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 27, 2026, beginning no sooner than 6:00 p.m., to hear public comments on a proposal to close a portion of Old Baltimore Road in connection with the Market Street Extended Project.

To comment on the proposal, please attend the hearing or email the Commissioners at [email protected] before the hearing date.  The Commissioners may take action based upon the comments received and may do so without further hearings.  Therefore, interested persons need to be present or send comments.

I’ve attached an image of the proposal below, however the proposed plans may be reviewed in one of the following manners:  1) visit the County’s website https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-works/roads-operations/2) obtain copies in the main lobby of the County Office Building (225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland, 21157) during normal business hours.

Click the image above to get a larger version.

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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