Published July 7, 2026 at 4:16 PM EDT

Maryland lawmakers will head back to Annapolis for a special session in Aug. 3-5 to discuss constitutional changes around congressional redistricting.

The announcement was made in a joint press release from Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties) on Tuesday.

“After recent court decisions weakened the federal Voting Rights Act and created new uncertainty around congressional redistricting, Maryland needs a clear legal path forward,” Ferguson said in a statement. “This special session will allow the General Assembly to do its part while ensuring that Maryland voters make the final decision.”

Ferguson stood in firm opposition to early congressional redistricting – which typically occurs every ten years after the national census – this legislative session, but he revealed to WYPR in May that his tune had changed.

While the specific language of the amendment has not been released, it will likely require only state legislative districts to consist of adjoining territory and respect natural political boundaries, not congressional districts.

This will open the door for Maryland to pass a new congressional map that favors Democrats 8-0, instead of its current map that maintains one Republican district.

Gov. Wes Moore and Democrats in the Maryland House of Delegates have been strong supporters of early redistricting, citing it as a way to fight back against Trump administration policies and better position Democrats to take control of the U.S. House.

The Maryland House of Delegates approved a constitutional amendment and 8-0 map in February, but Ferguson never brought the legislation forward for a vote in the Senate.

If approved by a three-fifths majority by the House and Senate this upcoming special session, the constitutional amendment would appear on the November 2026 General Election ballot, allowing voters to ultimately decide on the change.

Maryland state lawmakers could then vote on a 8-0 Democrat-leaning map prior to the 2028 General Election.

“For months, I have said that inaction is not an option and we cannot sit on the sidelines while voting rights, fair representation, and the foundations of our democracy come under attack across the country. I appreciate the General Assembly’s continued conversations and the agreement to come back to finish the work,” Moore said in a statement.

Republican lawmakers are not supportive of the constitutional change and say they will use the special session as an opportunity to bring up some of their own legislative priorities.

GOP House leadership says it will reintroduce legislation to create a 30-day gas tax holiday and stop the automatic gas tax increase that went into effect on July 1.

“I think it is very telling, as Marylanders struggle to pay their skyrocketing energy bills, higher taxes, and higher fees – all foisted upon them by the failed policies of the Democratic majority, that same Democratic majority is calling a Special Session not to help Marylanders, but to play another round of national political games,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel (R-Allegany County) in a statement. “It is abundantly clear where their priorities lie, and, unfortunately, it is not with the citizens of Maryland.”

Senate Republicans are on the same page, stating they will introduce legislation to “address the real concerns of Maryland families,” including proposals to provide relief on energy costs and vehicle fees.

"If you're going to call us back, use the opportunity to solve real problems," Senate Republican Leader Stephen Hershey (R-Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties) said in a statement. "Senate Republicans will come to Annapolis ready to act on the kitchen table issues that Marylanders are actually losing sleep over. We hope the Governor and his allies will join us. But we won't hold our breath."

Legislative leadership says details regarding legislative language, committee hearings and the schedule for the special session will be made available prior to the session’s convening.