House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has signaled he will intervene in Maryland’s redistricting stalemate following resistance from Senate President Bill Ferguson, a fellow Democrat. Ferguson has refused to bring House Bill 488 to a Senate vote, citing legal and political risks.

The bill, approved by the Maryland House in early February by a 99-37 vote, would redraw congressional districts to make the state’s only Republican-held seat more competitive for Democrats. Ferguson argued that mid-cycle redistricting could provoke legal challenges, potentially escalate to the Maryland Supreme Court, and risk undermining the current map. He warned that any attempt to redraw the districts could invite similar actions in other states, offsetting any potential Democratic gains.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has urged the Senate to allow a vote, emphasizing the importance of debate and the democratic process. Jeffries told CNN that the party’s goal is a straightforward up-or-down vote, and he indicated he may need to speak directly with Ferguson if the stalemate continues.

A spokesperson for Ferguson told WBAL-TV that the Senate has no further action planned, maintaining the president’s stance against proceeding with the bill. The dispute underscores tensions within Maryland Democrats over redistricting strategy and the balance between potential political gains and legal caution.

If passed, the redistricting plan would likely force out incumbent Republican Rep. Andy Harris, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, effectively ending his tenure in Congress. Harris’ removal would represent a significant loss for House conservatives and shift the state’s congressional delegation further toward Democratic control.