Maryland Statewide Offices – 2026

Coverage of Maryland’s Lt. Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General races

In addition to choosing a new governor in 2026, Maryland voters will also elect leaders for three major statewide offices: Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General.
These positions play a key role in how Maryland is run — from tax collection and budgeting to legal oversight and daily executive functions.

MDBayNews provides clear, factual coverage of each race with right-of-center analysis reserved for opinion pieces.


Comptroller – 2026

Republican Candidates

Democratic Candidates

Independent / Third-Party

Maryland’s Comptroller manages:

  • tax collection
  • state revenue
  • unclaimed property
  • regulatory audits
  • procurement oversight

This is one of the most important positions in state government.

👉 View Comptroller 2026 Coverage


Attorney General – 2026

Republican

  • James B. Rutledge, III

Democrat

Independent / Third Party

Maryland’s Attorney General oversees:

  • statewide prosecutions (limited)
  • consumer protection
  • environmental enforcement
  • legal opinions
  • representing Maryland in court
  • defending state agencies

👉 View Attorney General 2026 Coverage


Statewide Issues to Watch

These races often center on:

  • Taxes & Spending Oversight
  • Crime, Public Safety, and Prosecution Priorities
  • Environmental Regulations
  • State Agency Accountability
  • Consumer Protection
  • Energy Mandates
  • Budget and Revenue Policy

Each office plays a different but critical role in these debates.


Recent Updates

The Union That Always Picked Brown Just Picked His Opponent

The Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Republican James B. Rutledge III for attorney general, breaking a longstanding support for Democrat Anthony Brown. This shift signals a significant change, as the union historically backed Democratic candidates. Rutledge aims to address public safety issues, contrasting with Brown’s focus on consumer protection.

Trump’s FBI Headquarters Switch Is Dead — For Now. Greenbelt Is Back in Play.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully attempted to relocate the FBI’s new headquarters from the designated Greenbelt site to the Ronald Reagan Building, which was not among Congress’s approved options. The judge blocked any further actions or funding for the move, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to congressional directives.

Nine Minutes. One Question.

The press conference by CDI and NYRA lasted only nine minutes, addressing their new Thoroughbred Championship Series, which excludes Maryland’s Preakness. This prompted criticism regarding the lack of communication and potential negative impact on the Triple Crown. Maryland may face challenges if included in the series under CDI’s terms.

Maryland Democrats Answer DHS With a Lawsuit — While a Small Town Sits on a Records Request Nine Months Overdue

Maryland’s Democratic leadership, led by Attorney General Anthony Brown, has opted to sue the Trump administration over new election security conditions rather than comply. This lawsuit, involving 21 states, challenges requirements for election security investments and audits, illustrating Maryland’s rejection of federally mandated measures while also raising questions about its own voter roll verification processes.

Maryland’s Gaming Regulators Let the Casino Lobby Write Their Homework. Would We Say the Same If It Were Oil and Gas?

In April 2025, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency received a draft letter from the American Gaming Association urging action against sports prediction markets. Subsequently, the agency’s letter to the CFTC matched the draft closely, raising concerns about its independence. In contrast, the Attorney General’s office filed a detailed legal brief. This highlights disparities…

DOJ Sues Maryland Over Community Trust Act — Second Federal Challenge in Six Weeks

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Maryland and Attorney General Anthony Brown, aiming to block the state’s Community Trust Act, which it claims violates federal immigration law. This suit follows similar actions against other states, highlighting a broader conflict over immigration enforcement policies and state autonomy.

Maryland Officials Find Their Voice — Just Not for Taxpayers

Maryland officials responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling limiting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for Haitian and Syrian nationals. Attorney General Anthony Brown and County Executive Marc Elrich expressed solidarity while avoiding the question of taxpayer representation. Governor Wes Moore, who committed state resources to TPS advocacy, has yet to comment on the ruling.

MARYLAND’S AG WAS PRAISED BY VANCE TWO WEEKS AGO. NOW HE’S SIGNED A LETTER REFUSING THE WHITE HOUSE.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, alongside 23 Democratic colleagues, declined an invitation to a White House roundtable on Medicaid fraud, citing insufficient notice and lack of agenda. Despite earlier cooperation with Vice President JD Vance’s task force, Brown’s refusal highlights a growing partisan divide, impacting potential bipartisan efforts in fraud prevention.

Brown Invokes Military Values. His Record Tells a Different Story.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown celebrated National Military Appreciation Month by emphasizing sacrifice and commitment, yet his office’s actions reveal a partisan agenda. Since January 2025, he has filed over 160 lawsuits against the federal government, contrasting sharply with his inaction against the Biden administration, raising questions about his commitment to all Marylanders.

Law Day Irony: Maryland’s Top Lawyer Has Failed the Law

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasizes the rule of law and equal protection but faces criticism for prioritizing partisan litigation over pressing issues like child welfare and family court dysfunction. His tenure reflects a focus on political battles rather than addressing systemic failures affecting vulnerable Marylanders. Voters should consider this record in the upcoming election.

Brown vs. Trump, Again: Maryland’s Attorney General Doubles Down on Political Litigation

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is criticized for repeatedly filing multistate lawsuits against Donald Trump, perceived as political maneuvers rather than genuine legal actions. While these lawsuits aim to safeguard medical independence from political interference, they raise questions about his priorities, especially concerning pressing issues in Maryland. Critics argue that this pattern can erode public…

Maryland AG Anthony Brown’s Latest Lawsuit: More Politics, More Posturing, Less Accountability

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s latest lawsuit against the Trump administration focuses on federal housing policy but is viewed as politically motivated. Critics argue that it prioritizes national partisan interests over local housing issues in Maryland, raising questions about Brown’s commitment to state residents and effective governance amidst ongoing housing challenges.

Brown Joins the Amnesty Bloc: Maryland’s Attorney General Sides with Activist States Over Sovereignty and Rule of Law

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of progressive attorneys general challenging the federal government’s authority to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals. The legal brief emphasizes economic and social ramifications of terminating TPS, but raises concerns about the implications of defining “temporary” in this context, questioning if it has…

Following the Money: A Closer Look at Attorney General Anthony Brown’s Political Network

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s campaign finance records reveal substantial funding from banks, unions, and development interests, raising concerns about political influence and independence. His committee distributed over $125,000 to various political entities, exemplifying how money shapes alliances and power dynamics within Maryland’s political landscape, prompting calls for greater transparency.

Disabled Father’s Explosive ADA Lawsuit Slams Maryland Court for Systemic Discrimination—Will AG Brown Defend the Indefensible?

Disabled veteran Jeff Reichert’s federal lawsuit against the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court alleges systematic discrimination and retaliation, denying him accommodations in his custody battle. The case highlights ADA violations and questions Maryland’s family court practices, putting Attorney General Anthony Brown’s commitment to civil rights under scrutiny as proceedings continue without Reichert’s participation.

Anthony Brown’s Latest Anti-Trump Lawsuit Is Another Political Stunt Maryland Taxpayers Will Pay For

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joins a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration, supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics in response to an FTC investigation into pediatric medical guidance. Critics argue this move is politically motivated, detracting from pressing state issues while burdening Maryland taxpayers with costly litigation without substantial benefits.

Brown’s Latest Anti-ICE Lawsuit Is Political Theater — And It’s Likely to Fail

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has filed a lawsuit against ICE, demanding compliance with a subpoena for records on detainee conditions. Critics argue the lawsuit highlights political theater rather than legal merit, as federal regulations typically shield agencies from state subpoenas. Taxpayers might bear significant litigation costs without substantial outcomes.

Anthony Brown’s Latest Anti-Trump Lawsuit: Maryland Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Another Political Stunt

Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony Brown is seeking a federal court’s intervention to halt the construction of a proposed ICE detention facility in Washington County, citing environmental concerns. However, legal experts suggest that the lawsuit faces significant challenges, including a weak basis for irreparable harm and issues with the applicability of environmental statutes, indicating it may…

Maryland’s Lawsuit Machine: Anthony Brown’s Obsession With Suing Trump

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has engaged in over 100 legal actions against the federal government since January 2025, primarily targeting Donald Trump. This aggressive litigation contrasts sharply with his predecessor’s tenure and raises concerns about whether the office is prioritizing partisan political agendas over state issues. Critics question the focus on legal warfare against…

Anthony Brown’s Latest Lawsuit: Maryland’s Attorney General Can’t Quit the Anti-Trump Legal Circus

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has joined a coalition of Democratic attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over contraception access, raising concerns about his focus on state issues. Critics argue that his legal actions resemble a political campaign rather than addressing urgent local challenges, suggesting he prioritizes national visibility over Maryland residents’ needs.

Maryland’s Lawsuit Habit: Anthony Brown Sues Trump Over Tariffs While Local Problems Mount

Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding tariffs, claiming they are unlawful and detrimental to consumers. Critics argue this reflects a political strategy rather than genuine legal concerns, as Maryland faces pressing local issues that remain unaddressed amidst the ongoing national legal battles.

Maryland AG Anthony Brown Leads Yet Another Anti-Trump Fight — This Time Over Student Loans

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has joined a coalition of Democratic attorneys general to challenge a federal rule redefining “professional degree” in student loan programs. Critics argue this move politicizes his office, diverting attention from state issues like rising costs and crime. Many believe it undermines the focus on protecting Maryland residents.

Brown Rushes to SCOTUS to Defend Birthright Citizenship — But Who Is He Really Defending?

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s pursuit of defending birthright citizenship raises concerns about the use of taxpayer resources amidst pressing state issues. Critics argue that his focus on national political battles detracts from local needs, as Maryland faces educational, fiscal, and social challenges. A balance between rights and sustainability is essential.

Maryland’s Legal Offensive Expands: Brown’s Lawsuits Against Trump Now Top 55

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has initiated a legal campaign against the Trump administration, filing over 55 federal lawsuits as of February 2026. This aggressive strategy, supported by a $1 million litigation unit, raises questions about its financial impact on state programs and the opportunity costs for the Attorney General’s office.

Maryland AG Brown Joins Multistate Lawsuit Over Federal Vaccine Overhaul

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown leads a multistate lawsuit against the Biden administration’s vaccine policy changes, claiming violations of federal law. Critics question whether the action genuinely prioritizes public health or reflects partisan politics. The outcome may establish critical precedents regarding federal authority and state health regulations amid ongoing political tensions.

Maryland AG Brown Sues DHS Over Counterterrorism Grants — But Is This About Public Safety or Politics?

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, alongside five Democrat-led states, has filed a federal lawsuit against DHS and FEMA for terminating counterterrorism grants. The lawsuit claims unlawful termination amid political motives, emphasizing a conflict between state sanctuary policies and federal funding priorities. The outcome could impact future federal-state funding relationships.

Maryland AG Moves to Dismiss Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit in High-Conflict Child Custody Case

A federal civil rights lawsuit regarding prosecutorial actions in a custody dispute faces dismissal by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, citing absolute prosecutorial immunity. The outcome will determine if the case proceeds to discovery, raising broader questions about legal accountability and protections against repetitive filings in high-conflict domestic cases.

Maryland’s Political Echo Chamber: Brown’s ICE Lawsuit Backed by Two Insiders — But Where’s the Public?

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s lawsuit to block a federal immigration detention facility in Washington County has garnered minimal public support, drawing only backing from prominent Democrats. The lack of broader civic engagement raises questions about whether this reflects true grassroots opposition or merely political maneuvering by Annapolis leaders.

Politics Over Protection: How Annapolis Is Undermining Federal Law Enforcement

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has filed a lawsuit to block the construction of a federal ICE detention facility, viewing it as an obstruction of federal law enforcement. The action highlights a growing political rift between Maryland’s leadership and federal immigration policies, raising concerns about public safety and effective governance. Key questions arise about the…

Ethics Questions Still Linger Around Maryland AG Anthony Brown

Thirteen months after a complaint against Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, the public remains uninformed about its status. Allegations of soliciting nonprofit resources for political campaigning raise concerns over ethics and transparency. As Maryland’s dominant party faces criticism, the unresolved inquiry exemplifies a troubling lack of accountability in state governance.

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Voter Information

Find your district, polling location, early voting centers, and mail-in ballot info.

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Coverage Note

MDBayNews covers all candidates for statewide office.
Reporting is factual and non-endorsing.
Opinion pieces are clearly marked.