Maryland’s highest court late Friday delayed the filing deadlines for the June gubernatorial primary as it considers legal challenges to the legislative redistricting map approved by the General Assembly last month.

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       The Maryland Court of Appeals extended the filing deadline from Feb. 22 to March 22. The deadline to withdraw a candidacy was also pushed back, from March 4 to March 24.

       The order, signed by Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty, affects anyone who wants to run for local, county or state offices. The delay could lead to more candidates running for office and also provides more time for gubernatorial candidates to get their message out to voters before deciding whether to drop out of the race.

       The action comes as the court weighs four challenges to the redrawn legislative maps. Opponents argue that the maps violate the state constitution and the maps are gerrymandered.