Retired Engineer Spends $20,000 on Radio Ads to Oppose Maryland Redistricting Measure

Roger Kaul, a retired engineer in his mid-80s, has spent more than $20,000 on radio advertisements to persuade Maryland voters to reject Question 3. The ballot measure seeks to amend the state constitution to clarify that requirements for compact districts and respect for existing boundaries apply only to General Assembly districts, not congressional districts.

Kaul, who identifies as a Reagan Republican, believes the change would allow for significant gerrymandering of the state's eight congressional districts. He argues that the provision is philosophically incorrect and cites James Madison’s writings in the Federalist Papers, which warned against a majority dominating the minority. His campaign has aired on local and national stations, including WTTR in Carroll County, WBAL in Baltimore, and WTOP in Washington, D.C.

The spending comes as Democratic leaders in Annapolis seek to redraw congressional maps. They aim to eliminate the seat held by U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the lone Republican in Maryland’s congressional delegation. The constitutional question is intended to resolve legal uncertainty regarding how those maps can be drawn. Kaul contends that the Democratic effort is short-sighted because any new map would not take effect until the 2028 election.

Kaul became involved after consulting with GOP leaders in Carroll County, whom he felt were not doing enough to inform voters. He noted that the local party sent a glossy flyer listing candidates but included only a single line opposing Question 3. He described the effort as inadequate and decided to use radio to reach a larger audience. The ads have run for two weeks and will continue through Election Day.

The commercials vary in length depending on the station. Kaul purchased 10-second spots on WTOP due to high costs, while WBAL airs 30-second ads. WTTR features both 30-second and 60-second versions. A narrator in the WTOP spot states that if Question 3 passes, it will allow gerrymandering on a grand scale and asks listeners to vote no. The ad closes with the message that it was paid for by Roger Kaul.

Kaul believes the timing of the potential map change works against the Democrats. He argues that if voters approve the measure and Democrats draw a new map, the change would not be in place until 2028. The new members of Congress would be sworn in in January 2029, near the end of President Donald Trump’s term. Kaul describes this scenario as silly, suggesting Democrats would be fighting what he calls the lamest of lame ducks.

The retiree did not disclose the advertising campaign to his family or friends, telling only his two adult children. He has not received calls from others who heard the spots and questions whether the ads are having the intended impact. Despite his uncertainty about the results, Kaul stated he has tried to make an effort. He shrugged and said he doubts he would do it again, but acknowledged that one has to try.