A redistricting initiative spearheaded by Governor Wes Moore has failed to secure sufficient support within Maryland’s Democratic Party. Internal disagreements among state Democrats effectively terminated the effort, with the legislative session concluding Monday night and leaving the bill in committee. Senate leadership expressed concerns that judicial review could yield a map disproportionately harmful to their party.

The attempt follows a nationwide surge in mid-decade redistricting efforts sparked by former President Donald Trump’s recent encouragement for Republican states like Texas to redraw congressional boundaries. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is reportedly weighing delays to the state’s April 20 special session and may push it until after Virginia voters approve a referendum on redistricting.

Governor Moore, who has positioned himself as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, criticized Trump’s tactics, stating he actively manipulates election rules to undermine November voting outcomes. Moore condemned the former president’s inconsistent approach—urging some states to redraw maps while instructing others to “sit on their hands.”

State Senate President Bill Ferguson warned that redistricting could cost Democrats seats in Maryland due to potential court interventions, a stance he maintained despite pressure from Moore and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The governor’s proposed map faced rejection by the heavily Democratic Senate, which ultimately killed the initiative.