Put Your Campaign in Front of Maryland Voters
MDBayNews offers clearly labeled, sponsored candidate profiles that help voters understand who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re running—without the noise of attack ads or misleading mailers.
These are not endorsements. They’re an opportunity for candidates to present their story, record, and priorities in a structured, accessible format that lives on MDBayNews throughout the election cycle.
What Is a Sponsored Candidate Profile?
A Sponsored Candidate Profile is a paid, clearly labeled feature article on MDBayNews that:
- Introduces you to Maryland voters
- Explains your background and experience
- Outlines your key issues and priorities
- Provides links to your website, social media, and donation pages
- Gives voters a central, shareable page to learn about your campaign
Each profile is written and edited by MDBayNews, based on your responses to a candidate questionnaire and follow-up interview (depending on the package you choose).
All Sponsored Candidate Profiles are prominently labeled “Sponsored Candidate Profile” to protect both transparency and reader trust.
Why MDBayNews?
- Independent Maryland-focused outlet with a growing audience of civically engaged readers
- Issue-focused coverage on policy, elections, and government accountability
- Professional journalism standards applied to every profile
- Evergreen visibility—your profile remains online as part of our Maryland Election 2026 coverage
What’s Included in Every Profile
Every Sponsored Candidate Profile includes:
- A dedicated candidate page on MDBayNews
- Candidate bio (background, qualifications, experience)
- “Why I’m Running” section in your own words
- Top 3–5 policy priorities with short explanations
- District overview (what area you’re seeking to represent)
- Contact & campaign links: website, email, social media, donation page
- Disclosure label: “Sponsored Candidate Profile – Paid Placement”
Profile Packages
You can choose the package that best fits your campaign budget and needs.
1. Starter Profile — for new or down-ballot candidates
Suggested rate: $150
Includes:
- Standard candidate questionnaire (email-based)
- 800–1,000 word written profile
- 1 campaign photo or headshot
- Links to your website and social media
- Placement in your district’s election hub page
2. Enhanced Profile — for serious, competitive campaigns
Suggested rate: $275
Includes everything in Starter, plus:
- Short Zoom or phone interview (up to 30 minutes)
- Additional depth on 2–3 key issues
- 1 quote pullout (highlighted in the article)
- One-time feature in MDBayNews election newsletter
3. Full Campaign Feature — for top-of-ticket or high-visibility races
Suggested rate: $495
Includes everything in Enhanced, plus:
- Expanded profile (1,500+ words)
- Issue-by-issue breakdown (economy, education, public safety, etc.)
- Optional “Day One Priorities” or “Top 5 Reforms” section
- Sidebar with key endorsements, past elected service, or signature achievements
- Priority placement in MDBayNews election coverage and district hub
Optional Add-Ons
- Social Media Highlight Post: $50
- Custom promotional post on MDBayNews social channels linking to your profile
- Press Release Formatting & Posting: $75
- We format and publish one campaign press release in our Press Room section (clearly labeled as submitted content)
- Follow-Up Election Update (Post-Primary or Pre-General): $100
- A short “campaign update” added to your existing profile page
How It Works
- Contact MDBayNews
Use the form below or email us with your race, district, and preferred package. - Confirm & Invoice
We confirm details, timeline, and package. Payment is required before publication (PayPal, Stripe, or ACH). - Questionnaire & Materials
You’ll receive a candidate questionnaire and a list of requested materials (bio, headshot, links, logos, etc.). - Interview (if applicable)
For Enhanced and Full Campaign packages, we schedule a short Zoom or phone interview. - Draft Review
We prepare a draft profile and send it to you for factual review (corrections to dates, offices held, names, etc.). Stylistic edits may be considered but MDBayNews retains final editorial control. - Publication & Promotion
Your profile is published on MDBayNews, clearly labeled as “Sponsored Candidate Profile”, and added to the relevant district and election pages. Add-ons (newsletter/social) are posted per the package.
Editorial Independence & Transparency
To preserve the integrity of our coverage and readers’ trust:
- All sponsored profiles are clearly labeled as “Sponsored Candidate Profile – Paid Placement.”
- MDBayNews does not guarantee positive coverage, endorsements, or election outcomes.
- Sponsored profiles are separate from independent news reporting, editorials, and investigations, which remain fully editorially controlled and may reference or critique candidates who have or have not purchased sponsored content.
- Purchasing a Sponsored Candidate Profile does not prevent MDBayNews from covering your campaign or record in non-sponsored news or opinion pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an endorsement?
No. A Sponsored Candidate Profile is a paid, clearly labeled feature. MDBayNews does not endorse candidates through sponsored content.
Can I review or edit the profile before it goes live?
You will receive a draft for factual review (names, dates, offices, links). We welcome input and clarifications, but MDBayNews retains final editorial control over wording, formatting, and structure.
Can my opponent also purchase a profile?
Yes. Sponsored Candidate Profiles are open to all candidates on the ballot, regardless of party.
Can PACs, advocacy groups, or slates sponsor profiles?
Yes, as long as the sponsorship and funding source are disclosed and comply with Maryland campaign finance law. Additional disclaimers may be required.
Will you still cover my race in the news section if I don’t buy a profile?
Yes. Our independent election coverage is not contingent on sponsored content purchases.
Get Started
Ready to reserve your Sponsored Candidate Profile?
You can reach us at:
Email: [info@mdbaynews.com] (placeholder – replace with your real contact)
Or complete the following (suggested) form fields on your site:
- Candidate Name
- Office Sought & District
- Election (Primary / General / Special)
- Campaign Website
- Party Affiliation
- Preferred Package (Starter / Enhanced / Full)
- Add-Ons (if any)
- Best Contact Email & Phone
Once we receive your information, we’ll follow up with next steps, payment details, and a proposed publication timeline.