Maryland Gov. Wes Moore faces test with redistricting ballot question

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is expected to be re-elected on November 3 but is closely watching a ballot question that would allow Democratic leaders to redraw congressional district lines to favor their party more than the current 7-1 map, NBC News reported.

Moore and his allies, including former President Barack Obama, argue that supporting the measure is a way to counter President Donald Trump and Republicans. However, recent polling from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, shows 53% of likely voters plan to vote against the measure, including 42% of Democrats, 74% of Republicans, and 59% of unaffiliated voters.

In response, a group supporting the measure, Fight Back MD, has spent $550,000 on TV ads this month to encourage a yes vote, and Moore's campaign has shifted its advertising focus from his re-election bid to promoting the ballot question.

A failure of the measure would be a significant political setback for Moore, who is speculated to be preparing for a potential 2028 presidential campaign, according to NBC News.

Notably, some Democratic leaders like state Senate President Bill Ferguson have not been prominently involved in the campaign to support the measure.