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.
Bouchat Calls Question 3 an “Arrogant” Attack on Citizen Sovereignty, and Says His Own Party Is Part of the Problem
Del. Christopher Eric Bouchat, a retiring Republican, criticizes Maryland’s Question 3 on redistricting, arguing that politicians should not control the process. He advocates for a citizens’ convention to redraw district maps. Polls show a majority opposing the amendment, and Bouchat expresses disillusionment with the Republican Party’s effectiveness.
Board Approves $50,000 for Moore’s Lawyers, Down From $550,000, as Rutledge Presses Brown on Priorities
Maryland approved $50,000 for Gov. Wes Moore’s legal defense after an initial $550,000 request. Republican attorney general nominee Jim Rutledge is questioning Anthony Brown’s priorities, while the legal basis for taxpayer funding remains under scrutiny.
Four in Five Maryland Likely Voters Expect Data Centers to Hurt Electricity Costs, UMBC Poll Finds
The October UMBC Poll reveals Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s approval rating at 49%, with 42% disapproval, as nearly half of voters feel the state is on the wrong track. Eighty percent of voters believe new data centers negatively impact electricity costs, while most rate the economy as poor or fair, expecting worsening conditions.
UMBC Poll: Question 3 Trails 53% to 25%, and Democrats Lean Against It
A recent UMBC poll shows 53% of Maryland likely voters oppose Question 3, which would alter congressional district requirements, while only 25% support it. The survey highlights voter skepticism towards redistricting, with 83% viewing partisan gerrymandering as a significant issue. Governor Moore and Republicans express conflicting views on the amendment’s implications.
Cox Pressed Moore on Taxes, the Key Bridge and a Full Term. Moore Pressed Back on Trump.
In the only debate of Maryland’s 2026 governor’s race, Dan Cox targeted issues like taxes, the budget deficit, and the delayed Key Bridge project while challenging Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, who maintained a substantial lead in polls. Analysts predict no significant shift in voter sentiment from the debate.
UMBC Poll Backs Up Moore’s 27-Point Lead, but a Quarter of Voters Haven’t Picked a Major Candidate
A recent University of Maryland poll shows Gov. Wes Moore leading Republican Dan Cox 51% to 24% among likely voters. The survey highlights significant undecided voters and a divided Democratic base. Both parties receive low approval ratings, with criticisms about lacking representation. Early voting begins on October 22, 2026.
Utility Bills, a $3 Billion Gap and Persistent Outmigration: What Is Driving Maryland’s Statewide Races
Maryland’s upcoming election on November 3 will see Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Attorney General Anthony Brown compete for re-election against Republican challengers. Economic issues, particularly high utility costs and a projected $3 billion budget gap, dominate voters’ concerns. A significant outmigration of residents has intensified discussions around state management and fiscal responsibility.
Beyond Affordability: The Local Fights Shaping County Races Across Maryland
A recent poll reveals that financial struggles dominate Maryland residents’ concerns, with a strong demand for gubernatorial focus on utility bills. Local contests, particularly regarding data centers, are heating up as various counties implement moratoriums and zoning changes. The general election is set for November 3, with early voting beginning October 22.
Rutledge Backs Notice and a Hearing for Officers Before They Land on “Do Not Call” Lists
Jim Rutledge, Republican nominee for Maryland attorney general, endorses legislation supporting police officers’ rights before inclusion on a “Do Not Call” list. He emphasizes the need for notice, disclosure, and a chance to contest their placement, arguing that due process is essential for maintaining officers’ credibility and careers.
Five Days Out: The Debate Plan Dan Cox Needs
On October 6, Dan Cox will participate in the only debate against Governor Wes Moore, who leads significantly in polls and funding. The discussion, moderated by WBAL-TV, will focus on various state issues. Cox must strategically address key points, like taxes and the deficit, to effectively challenge Moore’s positions.
Two Years, Thirty Percent: What Maryland’s Second Straight Premium Hike Actually Shows
Maryland is facing significant health insurance rate hikes, with a 14.6% increase approved for 2027, following a 13.4% rise in 2026. This totals nearly 30% over two years, impacting different households variably. Enrollment is declining, driven by lost subsidies for immigrants and rising costs in healthcare services, prescription drugs, and hospital care.
Two Other Questions on Maryland’s Ballot: What Questions 1 and 2 Would Do
Maryland voters will decide on three constitutional amendments on November 3, 2026. Question 1 involves binding arbitration for state employee contracts, impacting budget requirements and negotiations, while Question 2 allows temporary appointments on the judicial discipline commission. Question 3, regarding redistricting, has garnered more attention and lawsuits.
Rutledge: Brown’s Office Turns Into Moore’s ‘Partisan Defense Fund’ in Sun Owner’s Lawsuit
Maryland’s Attorney General’s office will provide state-funded legal defense for Gov. Wes Moore in a personal defamation lawsuit from David D. Smith. Republican nominee Jim Rutledge argues taxpayers shouldn’t bear the costs for remarks made while Moore campaigned, claiming it reflects partisan use of the Attorney General’s office. The case remains in early pretrial stages.
Montgomery County GOP Drops Support for District 7 Nominee Over Mossad, 9/11 and JFK Conspiracy Posts
Montgomery County Republicans unanimously withdrew support from District 7 nominee Harold Maldonado after reviewing social media posts alleging Mossad involvement in 9/11, JFK’s assassination and Montgomery County government. Maldonado remains the GOP nominee on the November ballot.
The Council Reinvents Itself: Baltimore County Faces Historic Turnover
In November 2024, Baltimore County voters approved Question A, expanding the County Council from seven to nine members. This significant change, the first since 1956, coincides with an open executive seat. Democratic Councilman Julian Jones won the Democratic primary for executive amidst this unprecedented structural turnover, highlighting a shift in local governance.
Police Say MCPS Declined to Give Them the Name of a Student Accused of Kicking an Autistic 6-Year-Old
Montgomery County police say MCPS declined to provide the name of a student accused of kicking a 6-year-old girl with autism at Flower Hill Elementary. Nearly a month later, key questions about supervision and surveillance video remain unanswered publicly.
Green Party’s Ellis Calls for Statewide Data Center Ban as Moore Signs Executive Order
Andy Ellis, the Green Party nominee for governor, criticized Gov. Wes Moore’s executive order on data centers, asserting it does not adequately address concerns. He advocates for a statewide ban on new data center constructions and emphasizes the need for stronger measures, highlighting widespread local opposition and grassroots efforts against data centers.
Rutledge Uses Sparrows Point Crash to Press Brown on Juvenile Crime, as a New Youth Charging Law Nears Its Oct. 1 Start
Jim Rutledge is using a Sparrows Point stolen-car crash and a summer of high-profile juvenile cases to challenge Anthony Brown’s record as Maryland prepares for a major change in youth charging law Oct. 1.
Moore Orders Data Center Review and a Public Dashboard, but No Pause and No Repeal Yet
Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to establish a review process for large data centers and a task force to assess projects, aiming to repeal a 2020 sales tax exemption. The order does not halt existing constructions and preserves local governments’ decision-making power. The task force’s findings will influence future approvals.
Democrats Call Him an Out-of-State ‘Plant.’ His Campaign Says He Was Born in Baltimore County.
The Maryland Democratic Party has accused GOP nominee Charles E. “Chuck” Murphy III of being a Texas carpetbagger due to his voter registration in Texas since 2012. Murphy’s campaign emphasizes his Baltimore County roots. The allegations hinge on residency records, raising questions about his actual living situation and compliance with state election laws as the…
The Real Swing County: Anne Arundel Heads Into a Wide-Open November
Anne Arundel County’s upcoming elections feature a competitive county executive race between Democrat Allison Pickard and Republican newcomer Dave Crawford. With a history of close contests, the results may hinge on mail-in ballots. The county council also faces shifts with multiple open seats and varying levels of GOP competition in several districts.
Every Seat in Play: Harford County Heads to November With a Full Ballot
Harford County’s November ballot features contested races for every county council seat and county executive, a rarity in recent history. Incumbent Republican County Executive Bob Cassilly faces Democrat Barbara Osborn Kreamer. With most council seats open due to retirements and primary losses, significant changes in governance are anticipated regardless of party wins.
The Case Dan Cox Isn’t Making
Maryland’s gubernatorial race shows Dan Cox lagging behind Democratic incumbent Wes Moore, with a 27-point deficit. While voters feel overtaxed and support affordability measures, Cox’s vague messaging lacks Maryland-specific details. His failure to address prior election controversies and connect with suburban voters is impacting his campaign, risking further deficits in upcoming polls.
The Union Playbook: Hilton’s California Fix and Maryland’s Test
Steve Hilton criticizes California’s education system, asserting that teacher unions control Sacramento. He advocates for children to read by third grade and increased accountability. In Maryland, similar concerns arise as testing results reveal low proficiency in math and reading. Republican candidates propose shifting educational power back to parents amidst strong union influence.
Behind the Jobs Numbers: Maryland’s Layoff List Keeps Growing in 2026
PepsiCo is closing its Cheverly bottling plant, resulting in the loss of all 143 jobs there. This decision reflects broader employment challenges in Maryland, where nearly 100 notices of layoffs have been filed in 2026, affecting thousands. Concurrently, the state has also seen job gains, highlighting economic fluctuations.
Question 3: What Maryland’s Redistricting Amendment Actually Does, and Why It Deserves a No
Governor Wes Moore predicts strong support for Maryland’s Question 3, a constitutional amendment concerning congressional districts. While intended to clarify districting rules, critics argue it misleads voters and removes essential criteria for fair mapping. The amendment could benefit Democrats politically, especially in light of recent court rulings on its language.
Green Party Candidate Says MPT Chairman’s Donations to Moore Raise Conflict of Interest Questions
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Andy Ellis has accused Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission chairman Richard Bodorff of a conflict of interest due to $12,000 in contributions to Gov. Wes Moore’s campaign. Ellis claims this bias prevents him from participating in the upcoming gubernatorial debate, emphasizing the need for equitable debate access for all candidates.
GOP Delegate Nominee: Maryland’s Watchdogs Keep Getting Blocked by the Governments They’re Supposed to Police
Republican candidate Fitzgerald Mofor argues that Maryland inspectors general are hindered by local officials obstructing access to records. Evidence includes Howard County’s inspector still denied access after nine months and a successful court ruling for Baltimore’s inspector. Mofor proposes legislation to ensure local IGs can access necessary records to enhance accountability.
Rutledge Says Back River Plant Is ‘An Epic Failure,’ Presses Brown on Enforcement
Republican AG nominee Jim Rutledge criticized Baltimore’s wastewater management, linking odor issues to the Back River plant and a Potomac sewage spill. He accuses Democratic officials of failing to enforce environmental regulations effectively. Rutledge proposes stringent monitoring and prioritizing aging infrastructure while emphasizing the need for proactive enforcement in state water issues.
The Council Eliminated a Broad $692 Homeowner Credit. Now It Wants Three Targeted Ones.
The Montgomery County Council introduced three tax relief proposals aimed at supporting specific groups after eliminating a broad property tax credit. The bills focus on low-income families, school employees, and homeowners, yet the council faces criticism for not addressing deeper fiscal deficits. Public hearings are scheduled for October 13.