Maryland panel approves Democratic-leaning congressional redraw

Maryland’s Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission voted privately Tuesday to recommend a new eight-district map that would tilt the state toward Democrats, notably by crossing the Chesapeake Bay to expand the Eastern Shore’s 1st District to include Anne Arundel and Howard counties and linking Ocean City with Columbia. Other districts would shift but remain favorable to Democrats, who currently hold seven of eight seats. The map advances to the General Assembly, where passage is not guaranteed as Senate President Ferguson opposes redistricting and Republicans vow to sue. National Democrats have pressed Maryland to redraw to counter Republican gains elsewhere, and the plan could affect the June primary if adopted.