County Executive Julie Giordano Opposes Special Session for Redistricting
Salisbury, MD - Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano announced her opposition today to any special session of the Maryland General Assembly called to redraw the state's congressional districts. She said lawmakers should instead focus on the everyday challenges facing Maryland families.
"Marylanders are looking to their elected officials to address the challenges they face every day - not to return to Annapolis for another politically charged debate over congressional district lines," Giordano said. She said the state's priorities should be lowering energy costs, improving public safety, increasing housing opportunities, strengthening education and supporting economic growth.
Giordano said reopening redistricting outside the regular legislative session could hurt public confidence in the state's elections. She said it could make people believe district lines are drawn for political gain instead of fair representation.
"Redistricting should not become a recurring political exercise whenever the balance of power changes," Giordano said. "Regardless of political affiliation, Marylanders deserve confidence that elections are determined by voters - not by politicians drawing maps to achieve a desired outcome."
She said if the current congressional maps are ultimately found to be constitutionally deficient, any fix should be narrow. She said the focus should stay on fairness, equal representation and respect for communities of interest.
Giordano also said any changes to the state's Constitution or congressional maps should go through the regular legislative process. She wants public input, transparent debate and careful thought before any changes move forward.
Giordano is one of only three Republican County Executives among Maryland's 24 jurisdictions. She said she feels it is important to speak up for fair representation on behalf of Wicomico County residents and other Marylanders.
"Every Marylander deserves meaningful representation in Congress," she said. "Congressional districts should reflect communities of interest and constitutional principles-not predetermined political outcomes."
Giordano raised concerns about the cost of a special session as well. She said taxpayer money should be directed toward the state's most pressing needs instead.
"Every dollar spent on a special session is a dollar that could instead be directed toward addressing Maryland's most urgent priorities," she said. "Our focus should remain on easing the burden of rising electricity rates, strengthening public safety, supporting local governments, creating affordable housing opportunities, and expanding our economy."
Giordano closed by asking the General Assembly to reconsider holding a special session at all.
"I respectfully ask the General Assembly to reconsider the need for a special session," Giordano concluded. "If one is ultimately convened, I urge legislators to reject any proposal that places partisan interests above constitutional fairness and equal representation. Maryland deserves a process that restores public confidence in our elections and ensures every citizen's voice is fairly represented."
