2nd Judge Blocks MD Redistricting Question From November Ballot

Maryland Democrats' redistricting push was blocked for a second time this week, but this time by a Dorchester County judge.

Judge S. James Sarbanes ruled Friday that the redistricting question could not be added to the November ballots.

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Echoing an earlier Anne Arundel County decision, Sarbanes took issue with the timing, election law violations, and "misleading" language that presented the redistricting case as a "clarification" to existing law.

The General Assembly's approval of the redistricting measure earlier this month effectively sidestepped any possibility of holding a public comment period, Sarbanes said.

He also rejected the state's argument that voters could understand the full scope of the redistricting amendment by reading its different sections together.

Related: MD Redistricting Blocked From November Ballot, Judge Rules

The Sarbanes decision came just two days after an Anne Arundel County judge also took issue with the violation of the single-issue requirement under the Maryland Constitution and lawmakers breaking their own July 1 deadline for statewide ballot questions.

Both judges stayed their orders pending an appeal to the state Supreme Court. Arguments are expected to be heard Thursday.

Republicans have praised Sarbanes' ruling, with plaintiffs saying the decision is "heartening and a win for all Marylanders," WBAL reported.

While redistricting efforts typically occur after new census data is released, a push for mid-decade redistricting emerged after President Donald Trump urged Republican-led states to redraw congressional districts so lawmakers could hold onto a slim House majority ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

To date, eight states — Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas — have redrawn maps to help Republicans.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.