Eastern Shore & Harford County
The Maryland’s 1st Congressional District spans the Eastern Shore of Maryland, parts of Harford County and northern Baltimore County — a diverse mix of rural, suburban and Chesapeake Bay communities.
MDBayNews is your go-to source for comprehensive coverage of the 2026 race here: candidate line-ups, policy debates, campaign finance, local impact and how the big national issues play out at the Eastern Shore.
Meet the Candidates
- Republican Candidates
- Democratic Candidates
- Victor Allen Guidice
- Dan Schwartz
- George Walish
- Randi White
- Independent Candidates
- Edward Shlikas (Unaffiliated)
Recent Updates
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.
Harris Slams Moore Administration Over Juvenile Gun Charging Reform: “Coddling Criminals?”
Maryland is experiencing renewed debate over crime policy regarding the automatic charging of 16- and 17-year-olds who commit violent crimes with firearms. Critics argue recent reforms prioritize rehabilitation over accountability, potentially jeopardizing public safety as youth gun violence rises. The debate centers on whether to prioritize intervention or adult consequences.
Redistricting Gamble: How a Push to Flip MD-01 Could Put Other Democratic Seats at Risk
Maryland Democrats are reconsidering their plan to redraw congressional lines to eliminate the Republican-held MD-01 seat, fearing it may destabilize surrounding Democratic districts. Internal divisions highlight concerns about risks, including legal challenges and potential electoral backlash, leading some to view MD-01 more as leverage than a priority ahead of the 2026 election.
Maryland’s 1st Congressional District: 2026 Field Takes Shape in a Familiar Political Landscape
The race for Maryland’s 1st Congressional District is heating up ahead of the June 23, 2026 primary and November 3 general election. Incumbent Republican Andy Harris is challenged by Chris Bruneau, while Democrats face a competitive five-candidate primary. Redistricting debates may influence the traditionally Republican district’s dynamics as the election approaches.
Maryland Schools Are Failing—And Congressman Andy Harris Is Saying What State Leaders Won’t
Maryland promotes itself as a leader in public education, yet despite increasing funding to over $17 billion under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, student proficiency in urban schools remains alarmingly low. Congressman Andy Harris criticizes the lack of accountability and systemic failures, highlighting that real educational reform has yet to materialize.
Andy Harris: Maryland’s Lone Republican Fighter in Washington
Congressman Andy Harris represents Maryland’s 1st Congressional District as its only Republican voice since 2011. He leads on issues like agriculture, health, and federal spending, advocating for conservative values amidst a Democrat majority. Harris’s legislative wins and active service make him a vital representative for conservative Marylanders facing challenges like gerrymandering and overregulation.
Freedom Wins: How Andy Harris and the House Freedom Caucus Just Protected Your Wallet from Government Control
Rep. Andy Harris and the House Freedom Caucus challenged federal overreach by inserting anti-CBDC measures into the National Defense Authorization Act. This action aims to prevent government surveillance through digital currencies, ensuring financial freedom. Their efforts, influenced by Donald Trump’s negotiations, emphasize the necessity of protecting individual liberty from increasing government control.