Maryland’s 8th Congressional District – Montgomery County
Maryland’s 8th Congressional District covers the inner suburbs of Washington, D.C. and sits entirely within Montgomery County, making it one of the most politically engaged and closely watched districts in the state.
MDBayNews is tracking every major development in the 2026 race for MD-8 — from candidate announcements and endorsements to debates, policy proposals, money trails, and voter access questions.
This page is your home base for everything MD-8 in 2026.
Meet the Candidates
- Republican Candidates
- Cheryl Riley
- Anita Mpambara Cox
- Donald L. Lech
- Michael Yadeta
- Democratic Candidates
- Independent Candidates
- Nancy Wallace (Green)
Recent Updates
MDBayNews Voter Guide: Maryland’s 8th Congressional District
Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, heavily Democratic and affluent, will hold its primary on June 23, 2026. Incumbent Jamie Raskin faces three Democratic challengers, including J.D. Kumar with a unique economic investment platform. The Republican primary includes Cheryl Riley, a past nominee, and others with varying visibility. Key issues include public safety and cost of living.
Maryland’s Raskin Leads 25th Amendment Push — But His Own Record Undermines the Case
Rep. Jamie Raskin introduced a bill to form a congressional commission to assess President Trump’s mental fitness under the 25th Amendment. The legislation, supported by 50 co-sponsors, arises from concerns over Trump’s recent threatening posts. However, it faces significant political challenges and raises questions about accountability and partisan standards.
Jamie Raskin’s Political Money Machine: Millions Raised, Millions Spent — and Questions About Where It All Goes
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a prominent Democratic figure, boasts a multi-million-dollar fundraising operation powered by national donors and online networks. While he has significantly influenced political discourse, his campaign’s finances raise concerns about accountability and whether the focus is more on maintaining a political brand than serving local constituents.
As Iran’s Supreme Leader Confirmed Dead, Maryland Democrats Stick to Script
With multiple outlets reporting that Iran’s Supreme Leader and senior regime figures were killed in the strikes — and intelligence citing imminent missile threats — Maryland Democrats intensified their constitutional objections. The contrast between global reaction and local rhetoric could not be clearer.
Maryland Delegation Split on State of the Union Night
On February 24, 2026, Maryland’s congressional delegation was split during President Trump’s State of the Union address, with five attending and five boycotting. This division highlighted differing strategies among Democrats about engagement versus protest. The contrast revealed significant philosophical divides in response to the President’s policies, impacting Maryland voters’ perspectives.
In Deep-Blue MD-8, Cheryl Riley Bets on Affordability and Anti-Elitism
Cheryl Riley, a Republican candidate for Maryland’s 8th District, aims to connect with voters through messages of affordability and opposition to perceived Democratic elitism. Despite the district’s strong Democratic history, Riley seeks to address economic frustrations among constituents, hoping her populist approach might narrow margins, though success remains uncertain.
300 Million Gallons of Failure: Maryland’s Leaders Missing as the Potomac Fills with Sewage
On January 19, the Potomac Interceptor collapsed in Maryland, releasing up to 300 million gallons of sewage into the Potomac River, yet local leaders, including congressman Jamie Raskin and Maryland’s senators, have remained silent. This negligence raises concerns about environmental accountability and federal oversight in addressing infrastructure crises that affect local communities.
Raskin Pushes Redistricting as Epstein Narrative Shifts
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin is pressuring local Democrats to revive a stalled redistricting effort to eliminate the state’s only Republican congressional seat while amplifying claims connecting Donald Trump to the Epstein files. New reports complicate the narrative, revealing Trump’s past cooperation with investigators, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind these actions.
Maryland’s 8th Congressional District: Challengers Step Forward in a Safe-Seat Race
Maryland’s 8th Congressional District is gearing up for the 2026 elections with candidates from multiple parties filing ahead of the primaries. Incumbent Jamie Raskin is challenged by Stephen Alan Leon in the Democratic primary, while Republican Cheryl Riley focuses on local issues. Third-party candidates like Nancy Wallace also aim to broaden the political discussion.
Maryland’s Political Class Lectures America While Ignoring the Rot at Home
Maryland’s political elite spent the weekend lighting up cable news and Twitter condemning ICE and Trump’s DHS. But back home, Maryland’s own juvenile system faces a pending abuse lawsuit, prison deaths continue inside state-run facilities, and staffing shortages plague corrections. The louder the outrage gets about Washington, the quieter the scrutiny becomes at home.
Raskin’s Latest Broadside: Impeachment Rhetoric, Zero Proof, and a Dangerous Escalation
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin’s call to impeach Kristi Noem before investigations conclude raises alarms about due process and the politicization of Congress’s most serious power.
Montgomery County GOP Builds Early Bench for 2026 in Heavily Democratic Terrain
As Maryland’s 2026 election approaches, the Montgomery County Republican Party is proactively recruiting candidates for federal, county, and local positions, aiming to address concerns like fiscal responsibility and public safety. With multiple candidates already filed, the GOP plans to challenge the Democratic majority in key races as the February filing deadline approaches.
Soros-Backed Ranked-Choice Voting Comes to Maryland — With Jamie Raskin Leading the Charge
Maryland voters are presented with ranked-choice voting (RCV) as a neutral reform, yet its promotion by Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin and the progressive nonprofit FairVote suggests a more ideological agenda. Concerns include overreach, complexity, and potential voter disenfranchisement, emphasizing the need for transparency and caution in election reform discussions.
Gill vs. Raskin: Where the Viral Judiciary Clash Ranks Among Jamie Raskin’s Toughest Congressional Moments
A fiery House Judiciary Committee clash between freshman Rep. Brandon Gill and Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin has gone viral in conservative media, becoming one of 2025’s most replayed congressional moments as Republicans push tougher immigration enforcement and Democrats warn of constitutional overreach.
Riley Draws Sharp Contrast With Raskin on Child Protection and Immigration Votes
Cheryl Riley, a Republican candidate, critiques Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin’s record on child protection and immigration ahead of the 2026 election in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. She opposes Raskin’s votes against the Protect Children’s Innocence Act and the Laken Riley Act, emphasizing a conservative platform that prioritizes child safety and immigration enforcement.
Riley Welcomes DOJ Lawsuit Against Maryland Elections Board, Says Case Highlights Need for Transparency
Republican candidate Cheryl Riley supports the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Maryland’s election board, claiming it’s vital for transparency in voter registration. The DOJ seeks compliance with the National Voter Registration Act for data access, arguing it is essential for ensuring accurate voter rolls. Maryland officials and civil-liberties groups express privacy concerns.
Maryland’s Congressional Delegation: Tax-and-Spend Politics at Home, Blame Games in Washington
Maryland Democrats blame Republicans for the federal government shutdown, labeling it a “manufactured crisis.” Despite their emotional appeals about furloughs and economic pain, they overlook that Senate Democrats are blocking a House resolution to reopen the government. Their longstanding policies have tied Maryland’s economy to federal dependence, leading to current issues.
Jamie Raskin: Professor of Partisanship, Congressman of Chaos
Rep. Jamie Raskin, known for his vocal opposition to Donald Trump, has garnered national attention but faces criticism for neglecting pressing issues in Maryland. While recognized for his impeachment role and fiery speeches, constituents express frustration over his focus on partisan battles rather than local problems like crime and fentanyl.
