March 25th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

 A Maryland judge ruled Friday that the state’s new congressional map is unconstitutional, preventing the map from taking effect.  Judge Lynne Battaglia issued the ruling after a trial last week in which Republican lawmakers contended that Maryland's congressional map approved by the General Assembly in December violates the constitution by drawing districts that favor Democrats, who control the legislature. The judge is  entering a judgment in favor of the plaintiffs to reject the map and “permanently enjoining its operation, and giving the General Assembly an opportunity to develop new Congressional Plan that is constitutional.” An appeal by the state is almost certain. Raquel Coombs, a spokeswoman for the attorney general, said the office is reviewing the decision.