04 Aug 2026 3 min read

Standing Up for the Eastern Shore: My Opposition to HB2100

The proposed congressional map from Governor Moore's Redistricting Advisory Commission, which would eliminate Maryland's only Republican-held seat and produce an 8-0 Democratic delegation. In my view, the Chesapeake Bay appears to have been deliberately removed from this rendering because the proposed districts span across open water, breaking the contiguity that Maryland's constitution currently requires. HB2100 would remove the very protections that prevent this kind of map from taking effect.

This week, I submitted written testimony to the Maryland General Assembly against HB2100. The bill would remove the rules that govern how congressional district lines are drawn. It is being moved through the House of Delegates in a special session, with one hearing and limited time for public review.

My written testimony submitted to the Maryland General Assembly on August 1, 2026, in opposition to HB2100. Position: Unfavorable.

What HB2100 Does

Maryland's Constitution currently requires congressional districts to be connected, reasonably shaped, and to follow natural boundaries and county lines. In 2022, a court used these rules to strike down a map that was drawn to favor one party.

HB2100 removes those requirements for congressional districts. The only remaining standard would be equal population. That leaves no state-level rules on how districts are shaped or whether they respect local boundaries.

Why I Opposed It

The stated purpose of this bill does not match what it would do. Removing these rules would allow a congressional map that eliminates Maryland's only Republican-held seat and produces an 8-0 Democratic delegation. Gerrymandering is wrong regardless of which party benefits.

As a resident of Talbot County and former Town Council President of Easton, I know the Eastern Shore depends on districts that reflect our geography. Without these rules, a district could be drawn from Ocean City to Baltimore City to capture enough Democratic voters to flip a seat. That reduces the representation of Eastern Shore residents and rural communities.

From my testimony: the section detailing how removing compactness and boundary requirements directly threatens Eastern Shore and rural representation.

The Process Is Broken

Changing the state Constitution is a significant action. HB2100 is being moved in a matter of days, with one hearing on the first day and two-minute limits on public testimony. Marylanders deserve full hearings and time to understand what is being proposed.

Supporters will note that voters get the final say in November through a ballot referendum. That is correct. But the ballot question asks whether certain standards should apply only to state legislature districts. That wording does not clearly indicate to voters that they are removing protections for congressional districts.

What Happens Next

The bill is moving through the House on a party-line vote. It now goes to the Senate. If it passes, it will appear on the ballot in November. I encourage anyone who cares about fair representation to read the bill and make their voice heard.

The conclusion of my testimony, requesting an unfavorable report on HB2100 from the committee.

I testified because someone needs to push back when the process is moving this fast. Talbot County deserves a voice that shows up, even when the outcome is already set. If you believe the Talbot County deserves fair representation, chip in today. Every dollar goes directly toward keeping your voice heard.

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Frank Gunsallus is a former Town Council President of Easton, Maryland, and a candidate for Talbot County Council.

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Authorized by: Friends of Frank Gunsallus, Paul Hagood, Treasurer