Gov. Wes Moore is pushing a ballot measure that could erase Maryland’s only Republican House seat by 2028. The plan faces stiff resistance from local Republicans who call it a direct attack on their voice in Congress. This move has become a central pillar of the governor’s own reelection campaign.
If voters approve Question 3, the state constitution changes to allow Democrats to redraw district lines. The goal is to create an all-Democratic congressional delegation for the state. Republicans hope this unpopular move will drive their voters to the polls this November. Dan Cox, Moore’s GOP challenger, compared the fight to a historic battle for independence. He told the Washington Examiner, “This is our Battle of Stirling.” Cox warned that losing here means losing a voice for decades. Luca Amayo told the Washington Examiner that Republicans will face a difficult nationwide cycle.
New polling suggests the proposal is struggling to find support among the public. A recent survey from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, shows the measure is likely to fail. Just 25% of respondents said they favor the change while 53% oppose it. Among Republicans, opposition is strong at 74%. Even among Democrats, only 35% back the plan. The data shows 19% of all voters remain undecided on the issue.
Moore frames the redistricting effort as a necessary defense against national Republican strategies. He argues that GOP states have already redrew their maps to elect more lawmakers. At a recent debate, the governor insisted that power belongs to the citizens. Maryland’s General Assembly has both chambers controlled by Democrats with veto-proof supermajorities. Moore also criticized the president’s rhetoric about federal agents and voter rolls. He remarked to the Washington Examiner that power resides with the people, not Donald Trump.
The governor faces high political stakes in his November 3 reelection bid. He needs a strong showing to maintain momentum for a potential future presidential run. He warned that requesting voter rolls and stationing federal agents at ballot boxes constitutes a broad daylight robbery of democracy as the president speaks. This gives them the legal power to pass the amendment if voters agree. The first-term governor has rejected claims that he seeks to silence Republican voters entirely.
Local Republicans see an opening to turn this controversy into a turnout engine. A spokesman for the group Fight Back MD said the more people learn about it, the more they will support the opposition. He thinks the governor aims to cement this into the constitution, thereby stealing our voices. He cited voter concerns over affordability and tariffs as reasons for the national outlook. However, the specific issue of redistricting in Maryland could change the local dynamic.
The outcome of Question 3 remains uncertain as the election approaches. If it fails, the current district lines stay in place for the next cycle. If it passes, Maryland could lose its sole Republican representative in the House. The vote will happen on November 3 alongside the gubernatorial election. Voters in Maryland will decide if they want to change their state constitution to alter congressional maps. The final result will determine whether Rep. Andy Harris faces a redrawn district in 2028.
