House Republican Leader Jason Buckel (center) presents his caucus's legislative agenda on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis, Md. Photo credit: Sarah Petrowich / WYPR.
House Republican Leader Jason Buckel (center) presents his caucus's legislative agenda on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis, Md. Photo credit: Sarah Petrowich / WYPR.

Both Maryland Democrats and Republicans are stressing “affordability and accountability” this legislative session, but the caucuses have some staunch differences on how they would like to achieve these goals.

Republicans have a minority in both chambers of the General Assembly, often making it tough for their policy priorities to gain traction, but GOP leadership hopes some of their initiatives will be bipartisan.

One issue they hope to gain consensus on is bringing more accountability to state agencies after a series of recent audits, some with scathing findings.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR.