The Democratic leader of the Maryland Senate is facing pressure, ridicule, and even a call for his ouster from members of his own party after he torpedoed a bid to draw new congressional lines to combat national Republicans.

Citing perceived legal and political risks, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson informed state lawmakers this week that he will prevent the General Assembly from conducting midcycle redistricting that Democrats say would have netted them an additional U.S. House seat and countered similar partisan efforts by Republican-led states.