While O’Malley helped raise money for the cause, the most visible spokesmen during the television campaign were a pair of African American ministers who argued that same-sex marriage would not infringe upon the religious practices of those opposed to it.

Their message was tacit acknowledgment of the importance of the African American vote in a state where black voters make up a greater share of the electorate — 28 percent, according to Tuesday’s exit polls — than anywhere outside the Deep South.

While O’Malley signed the Dream Act legislation in 2011, it was not a bill his administration sponsored that year. Thirteen other states, including Texas, have passed similar measures. But with its passage Tuesday, Maryland became the first state to adopt a version of the Dream Act by popular vote.

O’Malley has never been a big proponent of gambling, but he embraced a bill this summer, saying it was a way to put the divisive and heavily lobbied issue behind him in Annapolis. Tuesday’s vote may have accomplished that, for the most part.

Although the decision by voters to uphold the congressional map did not get much attention, or draw very organized opposition, the result will no doubt be welcomed by national Democratic leaders.