Your running feed of Maryland’s most important election updates
Welcome to the MDBayNews Latest Election News page — a continuously updated stream of the most important developments in the 2026 Maryland elections.
From governor and congressional races to state legislative contests and county campaigns, this is where you’ll find everything happening right now.
No spin. No endorsements. Just clear, factual updates with right-of-center analysis saved for opinion sections.
At a Meeting About Public Safety, One County Executive Candidate Showed. The Other Didn’t.
A tense Gaithersburg meeting drew more than a dozen elected officials to confront questions about a fatal police shooting and ICE arrests. Republican county executive candidate Esther Wells attended. Democratic nominee Will Jawando did not.
Second Judge Strikes Down Redistricting Amendment, Citing Contradiction in Bill’s Own Preamble
A Dorchester County judge found Maryland’s proposed congressional redistricting amendment misleading and lacking adequate voter notice, staying the ruling pending appeal. This decision follows a similar finding in Anne Arundel County. The judge criticized contradictory language in the amendment and deemed the ballot question confusing, drawing criticism from Democrats and validation from Republicans.
Wells’ Pitch to Friedson’s Voters, and the Numbers Behind It
Esther Wells is campaigning for Montgomery County executive, targeting Andrew Friedson’s voters with a detailed analysis of the county’s financial issues. She highlights a $293 million deficit and a $3 billion school maintenance backlog, positioning herself as the fiscally responsible candidate against Will Jawando. Her strategy aims to attract disenchanted Democrats and unaffiliated voters.
Riley Presses Raskin Over His Support for Michigan Senate Candidate El-Sayed
Republican candidate Cheryl Riley is challenging Rep. Jamie Raskin over his support for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, questioning Raskin’s focus on his Maryland district. Riley cites concerns about El-Sayed’s comments on Israel, claiming Raskin neglects local issues for national Democratic interests. The race highlights tensions over political affiliations and community concerns.
A Sewage Closure Becomes a Campaign Ad Within the Hour in Howard County
Guilford Elementary School in Columbia closed due to sewage issues, prompting Republican candidate Fitzgerald Mofor to criticize Democratic opponents for neglecting school maintenance. Mofor cited statistics about the maintenance backlog, while acknowledging some claims need context. The debate highlights broader funding challenges for Maryland’s public schools, affecting parents directly.
What “Meeting Expenses” Buys: A Look Inside Maryland Campaign Spending
Maryland’s campaign finance laws allow candidates to report vague expenses under categories like “Meeting Expenses” without detailed explanations or receipts. A review of 57,000 records shows candidates using these codes for personal expenditures. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the distinction between legitimate campaign costs and personal spending.
Judge Strikes Down Redistricting Ballot Question, Stays Ruling Pending Supreme Court Appeal
A Maryland judge ruled the state legislature violated its own certification deadlines by placing a redistricting amendment on the November ballot, thus ordering it removed. The judge found the ballot question misleading and improperly combined two subjects. The state plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, keeping the question on the ballot temporarily.
Maryland’s Voter Rolls Are Shifting: Democrats Shrink as Unaffiliated Voters Surge
Since the 2022 election, Maryland Democrats have lost over 41,000 active registrations while unaffiliated voters have surged by more than 150,000. Although Democrats maintain a substantial numerical advantage, their dominance is shrinking as unaffiliated voters close the gap with Republicans, reshaping the state’s electoral landscape.
While Van Hollen Kicks the Tires in New Hampshire, Who Is Minding Maryland?
Sen. Chris Van Hollen is actively exploring a presidential run in 2028, recently stating he is “kicking the tires” on such aspirations. Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s extensive out-of-state travel has led to criticism about his focus on state issues. Both officials are navigating the balance between national ambitions and state responsibilities as they prepare…
What the Supreme Court Actually Ruled on Mail Voting
Maryland Democrats reacted strongly to a Supreme Court ruling regarding Trump’s mail-voting executive order, labeling it as election rigging. However, the Court’s decision focused on procedural standing, not legality. The ongoing legal battle emphasizes constitutional questions about executive power in election administration, with further rulings anticipated soon.
Ivey, McDermott and Husseini: The MD-4 Field for November
Maryland’s 4th Congressional District features Democratic incumbent Glenn Ivey, Republican George McDermott, and Green Party candidate Sam Husseini in the upcoming election. Ivey targets a third term, holding a significant Democratic advantage, while Husseini’s campaign critiques Ivey’s ties to pro-Israel donors. McDermott seeks a comeback after previous losses.
Fitzwater vs. Holtzinger: Money and Data Centers Define Frederick’s Fall Race
In November, Frederick County voters will decide between incumbent Jessica Fitzwater and Republican challenger Jeff Holtzinger, who leads with a significant fundraising deficit. The campaign centers on the controversial data center issue, following court rulings on zoning. Candidates differ on fiscal strategies, growth management, and housing affordability as they prepare for the election.
District 9 is genuinely up for grabs, with a competitive Senate race topping the ticket
Legislative District 9 in Maryland showcases competitive races, including a Senate rematch between Democratic incumbent Katie Fry Hester and Republican Ben Hightower, as well as a tight Republican primary for House District 9A. Hester significantly outpaces Hightower in fundraising, while incumbents Wu and Ziegler thrive in financing, confronting challenger Mofor.
The 27-Point Question: Why Wes Moore’s Poll Deserves More Scrutiny
A recent admission from a fake polling operation reveals that fabricated surveys can spread through media and influence public perception. Following this, Maryland’s poll showing Governor Wes Moore with a significant lead needs increased scrutiny regarding methodology and transparency, emphasizing that not all seemingly professional polls are legitimate.
A real swing district, an unconventional GOP challenger, and a Senate seat with no primary drama at all
Eastern Baltimore County’s District 8 features a competitive Senate race with Democrat Carl Jackson, seeking a full term, facing Republican Yahu Blackwell. Both candidates ran unopposed in their primaries. In the House of Delegates, three Democratic incumbents retained their seats against two challengers, while a reshuffled Republican field emerged. The district’s electoral history suggests potential…
A 90-to-1 Fundraising Gap: Inside the MD-3 General Election
In Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Sarah Elfreth will face Republican Berney Flowers in the November election. Elfreth, a former Maryland senator, boasts significant campaign resources, while Flowers’s fundraising is modest. The district leans heavily Democratic, making Elfreth the favorite despite the financial gap between their campaigns.
District 7’s GOP delegation heads into November unchallenged in the general — but not without a live lawsuit hanging over one member
Baltimore and Harford counties’ Senate and House seats remain dominated by Republicans with unopposed incumbents in both the Senate and House. Key issues include ongoing legal challenges involving Delegate Kathy Szeliga and her campaign treasurer, highlighting potential impacts on the upcoming elections as candidates address immigration policy and energy concerns.
Brunswick Sworn In Two Council Members Without a Vote. Here’s the Rule That Allowed It.
Brunswick, Maryland, canceled its city council election after three candidates filed for three open seats, as permitted by local ordinances. The decision raised questions about voter participation and accountability since one candidate withdrew before the swearing-in, leaving a seat vacant. While legal, the practice prompts debate on its implications for civic engagement.
At MACo, Cox Presses the Case Against Moore’s Record on Taxes, Energy, and the Key Bridge
Dan Cox criticized Governor Wes Moore at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference, arguing that Moore’s leadership has resulted in increased state costs, debt, and insufficient infrastructure. He emphasized issues like rising property taxes, delayed construction projects, and education funding shifts. Cox proposed specific policy changes to improve state governance.
District 6 is Maryland’s real swing district — and the primary results prove it
Southeast Baltimore County’s Legislative District 6 is witnessing competitive Senate and House races, a rarity in Maryland. With a Democratic registration advantage, both parties face challenges. Incumbents survived contested primaries but struggled for votes. The district remains a crucial test for potential ticket-splitting voters amid contrasting campaign focuses on crime versus education.
Carroll County’s Democrats field a full slate for the first time in years — but District 5 remains the GOP’s deepest firewall
In Maryland’s Legislative District 5, Republicans dominate with a 52% to 26% registration advantage. Incumbent Republican Sen. Justin Ready is running unopposed for reelection, while an open seat in the House draws three Democratic first-time candidates, signaling unusual enthusiasm. However, significant political changes remain unlikely this election cycle.
Frederick and Carroll’s District 4 gets an open House seat as the GOP’s longest-serving delegate steps aside
Del. Barrie Ciliberti, at 90, is retiring after over two decades in Annapolis, creating an open seat in a Republican-controlled district. Republican incumbents April Fleming Miller and Jesse T. Pippy run unopposed, while Jason Keckler seeks to fill Ciliberti’s seat. Three Democrats are contesting the election, indicating increased political engagement.
The Poll Saying Moore Is Up 27 Points Was Built by His Own Party’s Pollster and Sold by a Podcast His Party’s Media Sponsors
A recent poll shows Maryland Gov. Wes Moore leading Republican Dan Cox by 27 points, with an approval rating of 56%. However, investigations reveal the poll was commissioned by groups with ties to the Democratic Party, raising questions about its independence and credibility. Cox’s campaign disputes the poll’s validity, emphasizing potential biases.
Democrats Are Building a Farm Team. Maryland Republicans Have $24,000 and a Prayer.
Pete Buttigieg is endorsing Democratic candidates in Indiana, aiming to strengthen state legislative races that have been neglected. In contrast, Maryland Republicans struggle with financial disparities, raising only $267,362 compared to $2.9 million by Democrats. This financial gap limits their ability to compete effectively in upcoming elections.
New Poll Detail: Neither Party Impresses Voters, as Green Candidate Renews Debate Push
A recent Maryland Now poll reveals low approval ratings for both major political parties, with the Republican Party at 32% and the Democratic Party at 50%. Governor Wes Moore’s personal approval stands at 56%, significantly outpacing his party’s. Green Party candidate Andy Ellis advocates for including all candidates in gubernatorial debates, highlighting voter dissatisfaction.
A Rematch Two Years in the Making: Inside the MD-2 General Election
Democratic incumbent Johnny Olszewski Jr. defends his Maryland congressional seat against Republican challenger Dave Wallace in a district that leans D+10. Olszewski, with significant fundraising and incumbency advantages, faces Wallace, who won the primary against a better-known opponent. The election outcome may largely hinge on voter turnout.
Moore Holds 27-Point Lead as Fundraising Gap With Cox Widens Ahead of November
A recent Maryland poll reveals Governor Wes Moore leading Republican Dan Cox by 27 points ahead of the November election, with 58% support for Moore. Despite rising economic concerns among voters, Cox struggles to gain traction or funding, trailing significantly in campaign contributions compared to Moore’s substantial war chest.
How a $375 Million Plan Became a $715 Million Problem
Maryland’s horse racing redevelopment plan escalated from $375 million to over $715 million through five decisions made without public cost-benefit analyses. Key decisions included concentrating racing at a rebuilt Pimlico, abandoning Shamrock Farm, purchasing Laurel Park, and acquiring the Preakness IP, all while lacking transparency and accountability.
The First Lawsuit Went Dark. A Second One — Led by a Local GOP Official — Is Wide Open.
A Republican lawsuit challenging Maryland’s redistricting process has been sealed from public view, raising questions. In response, another group of Eastern Shore Republicans filed a separate, accessible lawsuit, addressing related issues and contesting both the ballot language and the constitutionality of the ballot measure, asserting a lack of transparency in the process.
Independents Are Growing. Maryland’s Political System Still Treats Them Like an Afterthought.
A record 45% of Americans identify as independents, reflecting dissatisfaction with both major parties rather than a shift toward Democratic ideals. In Maryland, a quarter of voters are excluded from primaries, stifling their influence despite their growing numbers, calling for a reevaluation of closed-primary systems amidst changing electoral dynamics.