Sarah Petrowich

Maryland is one of the few blue states that has been eyeing a new congressional map ahead of the 2026 election.

Seven of its eight U.S.

House seats are held by Democrats, but redistricting advocates believe a new map could be drawn to oust Maryland's sole Republican seat.

Maryland Democratic U.S.

Senator Angela Also-Brooks, who chairs the governor's redistricting commission, released a statement saying residents can submit maps for consideration.

Also, Brooks says the commission has a responsibility to move forward with redistricting, so the next Congress reflects, quote, the will of the people and can serve as a real check on President Trump.

It will ultimately be up to the Maryland state legislature to approve a new map.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Petrowich in Baltimore.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore called lawmakers to Annapolis to swear in the state's first Afro-Latino and immigrant Speaker of the House, Jocelyn Pena Melnick.

One hot topic not on the agenda, redistricting.

Maryland is one of the few blue states exploring the possibility of drawing new congressional maps, but Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson has repeatedly expressed reluctance.

The Governor's Commission is still looking into redistricting here.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Petrowich in Annapolis.