Despite Overwhelming Opposition Democrats Ram Politically Based HB 0488 Through For A House Vote as early as Monday, February 2nd
On Friday, January 30, 2026, House Democrats moved HB 0488 to a full house vote as soon as Monday, February 2nd. The Democrat Super Majority ignored Republican attempts to add amendments to the bill as well as an overwhelming percentage of citizen testimony against the bill.
The bill would redraw the State’s Congressional Districts, particularly which currently favor Democrats 8-1, virtually eliminating the one Republican representative the state has in D.C., Congressman Andy Harris. The maps were approved by Moore’s Redistricting Advisory Commission, a heavily partisan group headed by Democrat Senator Angela Alsobrooks, who conveniently missed a majority of the meetings. The five person committee approved the map by a vote of 3-2.
According to the bill sponsor, Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles), the bill makes the state’s congressional districts “fairer.” Here is the current map followed by the new map with expanded first district in Bright BLUE:
The new 1st Congressional District would include all of the Eastern Shore and parts of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties which are designated at the top of the map shown above.
“We’re, in fact, forcing the issue, and the issue isn’t R and D,” Wilson said. “The issue is standing up to this current administration” thus proving that the effort is ALL about politics and not fairness nor serving the people of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Anne Arundel and Howard Counties. Democrat Governor Wes Moore proposed redistricting in reaction to the State of Texas redistricting their state. He wants Maryland’s only Republican Congressman, Andy Harris, gone. Many say this is his attempt to get noticed on the national stage as a candidate for President in 2028.
But Wilson claims it’s “fair.” Fair to who? The DNC?
Moore went as far as to say that opposition to redistricting was about his race:
On the state’s legislative page, of over 529 entries of witness testimony, 400 (about 76%) were unfavorable to the bill, 129 were in support. This was pointed out by Republican lawmakers and many other speakers to no avail. The list of witness testimony can be found here:
This report from FOX 45 highlights Republican resistance to the measure and a promise to sue if the map is passed in the Maryland House and Senate:
None of that seems to matter to House Democrats or the Governor as they ride roughshod over the rights of Maryland citizens and the Maryland Constitution.
It’s unclear whether the bill will pass in the Senate with Senate majority leader Bill Ferguson in charge. Ferguson has voiced concerns about redistricting. He has repeatedly warned that the proposed mid‑cycle redistricting push could backfire legally, politically, and logistically.
He also cites the fact that the Maryland Constitution does not allow for mid-cycle redistricting, “The Maryland state constitution hasn’t changed, and that’s the basis really for the entire decision is that if we were to move forward, it backfires,” Ferguson said. “Each further legislative step weakens our current map.” Source: Maryland Senate President Ferguson pushes back on Gov. Moore’s redistricting plan | WBAL Baltimore News
At least Ferguson seems concerned about what redistricting would do to the State. Whether he is strong enough to stand up to political pressure waits to be seen.
Whatever happens, this bill and attempt to redistrict Maryland’s Eastern Shore’s points out the vindictive and authoritarian nature of Maryland Democrats. Their hatred for President Trump and total disregard for what is fair to Maryland citizens is on full display.
But hey, no need to worry, Moore will take care of us all with $40.00 rebates on our skyrocketing power bills, unfettered spending of money we don’t have for programs we don’t want or need, and more taxes and fees for us to pay.
That’s what happens in a one-party Democrat state. All opposition is wiped out.
And more people leaving a state that doesn’t care about its citizens.
-Jan Greenhawk
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