The deadline for filing to run for office in 2026 passed this week, and the fields are finally set for Maryland’s elections. With a flurry of last-minute entries and some surprising absences, the stakes for the state’s political future have become more clear than ever. From a wide-open race in the 5th Congressional District to generational challenges in some state legislative seats, there’s plenty to watch in this election cycle.
In this episode of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by Alex Hughes (Blended Public Affairs) and Will Ford (Maryland Matters) for a roundtable conversation to break down the final candidate lists. They explore why so many Democrats are vying for the same seats, why the Republican “bench” remains thin in key counties, and what the high number of uncontested races means for the health of Maryland’s democracy.
Why this episode matters
The people who filed by the deadline will determine the laws, budgets, and priorities of Maryland for years to come. The lack of competition in some areas and the extreme “pile-on” in others reveals a state in political transition. Understanding who is running—and who isn’t—is essential for any voter trying to navigate a primary season where the noise is louder than ever. Whether you are tracking the power shifts in Annapolis or the federal races in D.C., this roundtable offers the context needed to make sense of the 2026 ballot.
Key topics
• The 5th District “Shootout”: 30 candidates think they have a path to Congress to replace the venerable Steny Hoyer.
• Waiting your turn?: Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway’s challenge to Kweisi Mfume highlights a generational gap.
• A GOP recruitment challenge: Why did so many seats go uncontested by the Maryland Republican Party, particulary in counties that were once purple if not red?
Key quotes
Alex Hughes
If I’m sitting on the Republican Party side at this point, I at least want to be able to have races where you can raise this affordability question and force the Democrats to have an answer. And I think if you’re looking at Governor Moore, obviously his national star is on the rise, and the fact that there’s no actual ability to have a contested conversation for a guy that’s potentially on a presidential ticket in two years is, frankly, like malpractice at the state Republican level, but also the national Republican level. The governor now can go all across the country and campaign for other people without having to worry about what happens to him in November.
Will Ford
You have Senator Chris West, who represents Baltimore and Caroll counties. He’s probably one of the most pragmatic Republicans. Not only in the legislature, but probably in the state. He actually thinks through stuff and at least tries to meet in the middle somewhere….Willing to chew out certain Republicans if need be, if they’re not making any sense. And he’s not coming back. That’s a major voice that’s gone.
Listen to previous episodes
Connect With the Show Questions, comments, or story ideas: marylandnow@blendedpublicaffairs.com
Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.
