ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Senate Republican leaders accused Governor Wes Moore of trying to “wipe out the Republican Party” through his newly announced Redistricting Advisory Commission, calling it a partisan effort to entrench one-party control in the state.
The announcement came Tuesday, drawing immediate criticism from Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey and Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready.
Hershey said the governor’s move undermines public trust and fairness in the electoral process.
“Instead of restoring integrity to the process, Governor Moore has chosen to rig the system,” Hershey said in a statement. “This is a partisan power grab disguised as reform, designed to silence dissent and cement one-party rule in Maryland.”
He pointed to Maryland’s history of gerrymandering and accused the administration of hypocrisy for promoting inclusivity while limiting competition.
GOP leaders criticize appointments, question fairness
Hershey said the governor’s appointments to the commission reflected loyalty rather than neutrality. “It’s designed to suppress competition and protect entrenched political power,” he said.
The senators also criticized U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks for her involvement, saying her focus should be on federal duties rather than state political matters.
Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready said the commission’s formation contradicts the governor’s rhetoric on democracy.
“It takes real arrogance to spout inaccurate talking points about threats to democracy for weeks and then announce a commission stocked with Democratic Party loyalists,” Ready said. “While the Governor plays D.C. politics, his own administration is in disarray.”
Republicans say Marylanders deserve nonpartisan reform
GOP lawmakers have long called for an independent redistricting process led by nonpartisan experts rather than political appointees.
They argue that fair maps are essential to restoring voter confidence and ensuring representation for all Marylanders, regardless of party affiliation.
The governor’s office has not yet responded to the criticism.
Key Points
- Maryland Republicans accused Governor Moore of using a redistricting commission to strengthen one-party control.
- Senate GOP leaders said the move “rigs the system” and undermines fair representation.
- The governor’s office has not issued a response to the accusations.