Annapolis, Md — Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey and Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready issued the following statements in response to the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission recommending a new congressional map concept:

“Yesterday’s announcement was a foregone conclusion from the start. This commission was never about transparency or genuine public input — it was designed to deliver a predetermined political outcome,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey.

Hershey said the process reflected pressure from national Democratic leaders seeking to maximize partisan advantage in Congress.

“This was not a Maryland-driven process. It was driven by national Democratic operatives who see our state as a tool in Washington’s power struggle,” Hershey said.

Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready said the commission failed to operate independently and ignored legitimate concerns raised throughout the process.

“When the outcome is known before the first public hearing, that’s not public engagement — it’s political theater. A rushed, mid-decade process driven by partisan interests was always going to produce a flawed result,” Ready said.

Both Hershey and Ready praised Senate President Bill Ferguson and Mayor Ray Morriss for speaking candidly about the flaws in the process.

“Their willingness to say this process was flawed — and that a flawed process produces a flawed outcome — demonstrates real leadership at a time when too many were afraid to challenge the Governor.”

Hershey warned that the consequences go beyond lines on a map.

“Marylanders deserve a redistricting process rooted in transparency, fairness, and respect for our constitution — not a mid-decade power grab dictated by national politics,” Hershey said.