Politics

Maryland House Republican leaders are calling for the state to ramp up enforcement efforts around the homes of Supreme Court justices who live in Maryland. The request from lawmakers comes a day after the Montgomery County Police Department warned protesters of potential arrests. The letter to Gov. Larry Hogan cited increased protests and concerns about harassment and threats in the wake of a number of controversial decisions.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has tested positive for COVID-19, the county announced Thursday. Pittman began experiencing symptoms early in the week similar to those from a light cold and received a positive PCR test on Thursday, he said in a statement. He has received his COVID vaccine and two booster shots. “If you have not been vaccinated or boosted, go get your shot today,” he said in the statement.

For the first time in Baltimore City’s history, voters on Tuesday will get a chance to elect two members of the Board of School Commissioners. The city will join many localities across the state that have moved recently to an all elected or hybrid school board. The shift comes four years after Baltimore County began electing seven of its 11 school board members to four-year terms.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszweski Jr. this week announced personnel changes in his administration, including the departure of a top aide. Deputy Administrative Officer Drew Vetter’s last day with county government will be Friday, Olszewski’s office said in an announcement Tuesday. He was one of Olszewski’s first hires after the Democratic county executive was elected in 2018.

As early voting drew to a close Thursday, the Harford County Board of Elections saw a dramatic increase in mail-in ballots compared to the 2018 midterm primary, according to elections director Stephanie Taylor. In 2018, 1,038 ballots were requested and 695 were returned, Taylor said. But as of Wednesday, there were more than 18,000 requests for mail-in ballots, and 7,269 ballots were returned

Carroll County Commissioners President Ed Rothstein is seeking reelection to his position representing District 5, and will face two challengers in the Republican primary July 19. No Democrats have filed to run in the district, meaning the winner will be decided by the primary. District 5 includes the southeast portion of the county, including the towns of Eldersburg and Sykesville. All three candidates live in Sykesville.

With the battle to succeed him nearing a crucial moment, Maryland’s current chief executive has been traveling throughout New Hampshire, meeting with business leaders and conducting media interviews ahead of a potential White House bid in 2024. Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) hit the road on Sunday, when he flew to Connecticut to speak at a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Themis Klarides (R). Klarides, who hopes to unseat Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D), has been described as a “moderate voice.” She spent 20 years in the state House of Representatives, including six as leader of the Republican minority.