HB488
🚨 MARYLAND HOUSE BILL 488

Marylanders Deserve Fair Districts

HB 488 proposes a new congressional map that perpetuates gerrymandering in Maryland. Your voice matters — find your representative and make it heard.

Take Action Now

See the Gerrymander: Before & After HB 488

Toggle between the current districts and what HB 488 proposes. The manipulation is clear.

District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8

Current View: 2022 Congressional Districts

The Problem: Gerrymandering in Maryland

Gerrymandering undermines democracy by letting politicians choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives. Maryland has been consistently ranked among the most gerrymandered states in the nation.

7-1
Current Congressional Delegation
(Democrats to Republicans)
~33%
Maryland Voters Who Voted Republican
in 2024 Presidential Election
12.5%
Republican Congressional Representation
(1 of 8 seats)

What Fair Representation Would Look Like

If Maryland's congressional delegation reflected its actual voting population, we'd likely see a 5-3 or 6-2 split — not the current 7-1 supermajority. Regardless of your political affiliation, gerrymandering silences voices and reduces electoral accountability.

This isn't about party — it's about principle. When districts are drawn fairly, politicians must work harder to represent all their constituents, not just their base.

What HB 488 Does

House Bill 488 proposes a constitutional amendment and new congressional districting plan. Here's what you need to know:

📋 Key Provisions

  • Creates new congressional district boundaries for 2026 elections
  • Removes compactness requirements from congressional districts
  • Gives General Assembly power to define Supreme Court jurisdiction over redistricting
  • Requires voter approval via constitutional amendment
  • Would remain in effect until after 2030 census

⚠️ Why It Matters

  • Maintains status quo of heavily gerrymandered districts
  • Removes constitutional protections for compact districts
  • Affects Congressional representation through 2030
  • Sets precedent for future redistricting
  • Will appear on November 2026 ballot for voter approval

The 48 Delegates Who Sponsored HB 488

These legislators put their names on a bill that perpetuates gerrymandering. Each one faces a choice:

48
Democrats
0
Republicans
🏛️ Maryland or Party? ⚖️

Click any delegate to see their profile and contact them directly

Lead Sponsor
Del. C.T. Wilson

Delegate C.T. Wilson

District 28 · Charles County

As lead sponsor, Del. Wilson introduced this gerrymandering bill. Will he choose fair representation or party loyalty?

View Official Profile →

47 Co-Sponsors by County

🗣️ How to Testify Against HB 488

The most powerful way to influence this bill is to provide official testimony. Follow these three steps to make your voice heard in Annapolis:

1

Create an MGA Tracking Account

First, you need to register for a free account with the Maryland General Assembly to track bills and sign up as a witness.

Create Your Account →
2

Sign Up as a Witness

Once you have an account, sign up to testify as a witness. You can choose to testify in person, virtually, or submit written testimony only.

Sign Up as Witness →
3

Prepare Your Testimony

When testifying, be concise and personal. Share why fair districts matter to you. Here are some tips:

  • Introduce yourself and your county/district
  • State your position clearly: "I oppose HB 488"
  • Explain why fair representation matters to you personally
  • Keep it to 2-3 minutes if speaking
  • Be respectful and factual

📄 Review the Official Bill

View HB 488 on Maryland General Assembly Website →

Take Action: Find Your Representatives

Contact your state legislators directly. Let them know you support fair, competitive districts in Maryland — regardless of party.

🔍 Find Your Representatives

Find your state legislators who will vote on HB 488 using Maryland's official lookup tool.

Find My Legislators (Official MGA Site) →

What to do:

  1. Enter your address on the MGA site
  2. Find your State Senator and Delegate(s)
  3. Contact them to oppose HB 488
  4. Sign up to testify at the committee hearing

📢 Spread the Word

Help fellow Marylanders learn about HB 488. Share this page with your friends, family, and neighbors.

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How Maryland Voted in 2024

Presidential election results by county — yet only 1 of 8 congressional seats reflects Republican voters

Trump (R) — 17 counties
Harris (D) — 7 counties

The disparity is clear: Republicans won 17 of 24 counties but hold only 1 of 8 congressional seats.