Maryland lawmakers are set to convene for a special session in August to begin laying the groundwork for redistricting in anticipation of the upcoming 2028 elections. The session, announced by legislative leaders including Ferguson and Peña-Melnyk, aims to address potential gerrymandering concerns and implement necessary constitutional amendments related to congressional redistricting. However, the initiative has faced criticism from Republican officials, who argue that the focus on redistricting diverts attention from pressing issues such as crime and the state budget crisis. As the 2028 redistricting battles loom large, tensions are rising within the Maryland legislature.