Maryland redistricting: National group funds ads supporting Moore, opposing Question 3

Campaign finance reports filed on Friday reveal that the Truth for Maryland Political Action Committee received a $325,000 donation from the Progressive Prosperity Caucus. The PAC has been broadcasting television advertisements and mailing flyers that ask Maryland voters to endorse Governor Wes Moore while voting against Question 3, the state’s congressional redistricting measure. The ads utilize the governor’s official campaign colors and slogan, creating a visual link between the candidate and the opposing ballot position.

Moore has actively promoted Question 3 as a mechanism to alter the state constitution’s redistricting rules. The measure is designed to counter efforts by President Donald Trump to reshape districts for Republican advantage. If approved, the Maryland General Assembly would gain the authority to reconfigure the state’s eight congressional districts. This change could make it more difficult for U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the state’s only Republican member of Congress, to secure reelection in 2028.

The Progressive Prosperity Caucus operates as a nonprofit that appeared to form earlier this year. As a nonprofit, the organization is not required to disclose the identities of its individual donors. Its website describes the group as dedicated to championing forward-thinking policies and building a just society. An administrative email sent to the group on Friday went unanswered. Andrew Brightwell, a Republican strategist and chairperson of Truth for Maryland, confirmed the funding source in a statement but did not answer further questions about the group’s origins.

Democratic officials in Wisconsin and Nebraska have expressed suspicion that the Progressive Prosperity Caucus serves as a financial vehicle for Republican interests. Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, described the organization as one of several right-wing front groups involved in races to trick Democratic voters. In Wisconsin, reports indicate that the caucus provided the bulk of funding to Middle Class Priorities, which in turn donated nearly $1 million to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong.

Carter Elliott IV, spokesman for the Moore campaign, stated that the same dark money group responsible for disinformation campaigns elsewhere is attempting similar tactics in Maryland. He noted that the governor has remained steadfast in his support for Question 3 to help state residents counter what he called an extreme power grab. The campaign alleged that Truth for Maryland copied the governor’s branding to mislead voters into believing he opposes the redistricting measure.

The Moore campaign’s attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to Truth for Maryland, requesting that the advertisements be removed. Brightwell responded by saying the group is proud of the progressive support it has received. He reiterated the organization’s backing for Moore and described gerrymandering as a cancer on the democracy.

Two anonymous complaints have been filed with elections officials and the Office of the State Prosecutor. The complaints allege that the source of Truth for Maryland’s funding should have been disclosed in earlier campaign finance reports. Truth for Maryland expanded its advertising efforts this week with a new mailer featuring images of prominent Democrats. The mailer states that Team Maryland is with Governor Moore and that the group is fighting against gerrymandering.