Moore’s Redistricting Gamble Amid Record‑Breaking Midterm Costs

The 2026 midterm election is shaping up to be the priciest ever, with ad buys topping $11 billion across the whole cycle. That amount dwarfs previous midterms and even outpaces the 2023‑24 total, which sat just over $11 billion. The surge shows that both parties are pouring massive cash into House, Senate and gubernatorial races, turning the midterms into a high‑stakes financial showdown.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is gearing up for a second term, but his biggest battle may be the ballot question that lets Democrats redraw congressional districts in their favor. He and allies, including former President Barack Obama, cast a yes vote as a stand against President Donald Trump and the GOP. The fight has become personal for Moore, who is watching the measure closely as speculation about a 2028 presidential run grows.

A recent University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll found that 53 % of likely voters plan to reject the redistricting proposal. The opposition is strongest among Republicans (74 %) and unaffiliated voters (59 %), while 42 % of Democrats support the measure. So far, the pro‑measure group Fight Back MD has spent $550,000 on TV ads, and Moore’s campaign has shifted its spending from his own re‑election ads to promoting the ballot question.

State Senate President Bill Ferguson, who helped get the question on the ballot, has not said whether he will push for new district maps next year if the vote passes. A veteran Democratic strategist notes that many voters, especially those near Washington, may be uneasy about copying Republican mid‑decade tactics. Analysts say the outcome could affect Moore’s future ambitions and set a tone for the upcoming 2028 race.