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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s call to redraw the state’s congressional maps is facing resistance from voters, per Politico.
According to a University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll released on Monday (December 15), just 27 percent of Maryland residents view redistricting as a "high priority." The figure trails behind other concerns, including health care costs, K-12 education quality, and reducing crime.
The findings come as Democratic leaders across the nation are debating whether to pursue mid-decade redistricting in response to President Donald Trump's push for map redraws in Republican-led states.
In Maryland, Democrats currently hold seven of the state's eight congressional seats, with one district represented by a Republican. Moore has urged lawmakers to consider redrawing the maps to potentially flip that seat. However, Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson has resisted, warning the move could backfire and weaken the party’s dominance.
Lawmakers were set to convene for a special session on Tuesday (December 16), though leaders said redistricting wouldn't be on the agenda.
“This is not a huge priority for Maryland voters,” Mileah Kromer, director of UMBC’s Institute of Politics, said in a statement, noting that economic anxieties may explain why redistricting has failed to gain traction among voters.
The poll surveyed 801 Maryland adults between December 2 and 6. 28 percent of respondents said Maryland’s congressional lines are drawn fairly, while 41 percent said they are unfair, and 29 percent had no opinion.
Roughly one-third of Democrats said they support mid-decade redistricting, while a quarter opposed it outright. Among Republicans, 67 percent said redistricting should not be done.
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