County/Region: Garrett, Allegany, Washington
House Configuration: 1A, 1B, 1C
Political Lean: Strong Republican
Status: Safe GOP
State Senate – District 1
Incumbent: Mike McKay, Republican
Running Again (2026): Y
Candidates
Republican
Democrat
- Ashley Emerick
Key Issues in Western Maryland
- Energy policy and natural gas restrictions
- Rural broadband expansion
- Public land and environmental regulation
- Economic development
What to Watch
District 1 remains one of the most reliably Republican regions in Maryland. The only real action would come from a GOP primary challenge rather than a general election upset.
House of Delegates – District 1
1A
Western rural district. Strong Republican base.
Candidates
Republican
- Edward E. Clemons, Jr.
- Dan Duggan
- Lisa Lowe
- Tim Thomas
- Andy Adams
Democrat
1B
Heavily Republican territory.
Candidates
Republican
- Jason C. Buckel – Incumbent
1C
Deep-red western Maryland seat.
Candidates
Republican
- Terry Baker – Incumbent
Primary contests are more likely than competitive general elections.
MDBayNews Analysis
District 1 will not decide control of Annapolis, but it plays a critical role in shaping Republican messaging around energy, Second Amendment rights, and rural economic policy.