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House committee advances mid‑cycle congressional redistricting bill after hours of testimony
Summary
The House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee heard more than 200 witnesses on House Bill 488 — a mid‑cycle congressional redistricting measure backed by the governor and sponsor Delegate C.T. Wilson — and advanced the bill out of committee after approving minor amendments by voice vote. Supporters said the map defends Maryland from partisan moves in other states; opponents called it a partisan gerrymander that will disenfranchise Eastern Shore Republicans.
An Annapolis committee advanced a contentious mid‑cycle redistricting bill Wednesday after more than seven hours of testimony that divided residents and lawmakers.
House Bill 488, introduced by Delegate C.T. Wilson, would adopt a new congressional map for Maryland effective for 2026 and keep that map through 2030. Wilson said the map is based on recommendations from the governor’s redistricting advisory commission and “complies with all federal constitutional requirements,” arguing the measure will bring similar communities together and strengthen representation for Baltimore City and key economic corridors.
“Passing this map is how we fight chaos and corruption,” Wilson told the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee in his opening remarks, framing the bill as a response to mid‑cycle redistricting undertaken in states such as Texas and North Carolina.
Governor Wes Moore, who testified in support, said the commission’s recommendation was shaped by public submissions and hearings and urged the legislature to debate and, if necessary, improve the maps before voting. “We…
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