Democrats face long odds against U.S. Rep. Andy Harris in Republican-leaning Eastern Shore district

The two Democratic primary candidates in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District share more in common than their burning desire to unseat the Republican incumbent. Former Montgomery County delegate Heather Mizeur and career foreign service officer David Harden both say they became motivated to run by their outrage over the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.

As early primary voting begins, more Anne Arundel Democrats, fewer Republicans registered to vote compared to 2018

As early voting for the midterm elections begins Thursday, data from the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections shows more Democrats and fewer Republicans have registered to vote in the county over the last four years while overall voter registration has increased by about 25,000. About 174,000 residents were registered as Democrats as of June 30, an increase of about 8% from the last midterm elections in 2018, when about 161,000 Democrats were registered. Republican voter registration over that same time declined by about 3.5% from above 135,000 in 2018 to about 130,000 in 2022.

Democrats vying to be Md. attorney general have a long history

Congressman Anthony G. Brown and former judge Katie Curran O’Malley both remember when they first met. It was the night before O’Malley’s husband, Martin O’Malley, then mayor of Baltimore and a gubernatorial candidate, announced that Brown would join his ticket as lieutenant governor. The O’Malleys invited the Browns over for a casual pre-announcement dinner. “She was a very gracious host, and it was a very pleasant evening,” Brown said. “He’s lovely, and his family’s lovely,” O’Malley recalled. But that was in 2005, and they are now on opposing teams, heading into the final stretch of a tight primary battle seeking the Democratic nomination to be Maryland’s next attorney general.

Maryland’s 2022 primary elections: How to vote, candidates and more

Early voting begins in Maryland’s primary elections on Thursday. Residents across the state will have a chance to weigh in on several races, including a candidate to replace term-limited Gov. Larry Hogan (R). Maryland’s eight congressional districts are on the primary ballot this year, as well as the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who is running for reelection. There are also statewide and local elections, which vary by jurisdiction. Anyone eager to vote early may do so in-person between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. through July 14. A full list of early-voting centers is available at elections.maryland.gov.

Baltimore-area residents undecided, underwhelmed as primary approaches

Anthony Garove is normally plugged-in during election season. He lives in the Remington neighborhood of Baltimore and would typically see a ton of campaign signs that constantly remind him that it’s time to vote. But these days he has no idea who he’s voting for as the mid-July Democratic primaries approach. There are few signs in people’s yards, and he has had too much going on personally to pay close attention to politics.

Judge finds Baltimore State’s Attorney Mosby cannot afford expert witnesses, orders government assistance

The court will help pay the cost of the expert witnesses Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby plans to call in defense against federal perjury and mortgage fraud charges, a judge ruled Tuesday. Mosby’s lawyers have indicated they intend to rely on several experts to build her defense. Defense witnesses may testify about a forensic analysis of her personal and business finances, the federal government’s CARES Act and federal tax liens, according to court documents filed in March.

Early voting in Carroll County starts Thursday; another 100 election judges still needed to run the polls

Carroll County voters can begin casting early ballots this week for the July 19 primary election. Early voting begins Thursday and continues through July 14. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Westminster Senior Center, 125 Stoner Ave., in Westminster; the South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg; and the North Carroll Senior Center, 2328 Hanover Pike in Hampstead.

Mayor Recognizes Achievements Of Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Amid Grade-Fixing Allegations

On Tuesday morning, with local and state leaders present, Mayor Brandon Scott surprised another city leader by recognizing their work in Baltimore: CEO of public schools Dr. Sonja Santelises. “On behalf of the people of Baltimore, I commend you for your continuing commitment to the education and development of our young people,” Scott said. The mayoral salute to Santelises comes six years into her tenure as the leader of Baltimore City Public Schools. But the recognition also comes at a time when the school district is under a microscope.

 

 

Hogan’s Decision to Lift Gun Restrictions Roils State Politics

Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr.’s decision Tuesday to lift restrictions on carrying concealed weapons in Maryland in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion left policymakers scrambling and has created another potentially divisive political issue with Marylanders already voting in their party primaries. One day after mass shootings at a Fourth of July parade in a Chicago suburb and fireworks display in Philadelphia, Hogan (R) announced Tuesday that he had directed the Maryland State Police, which issues gun licenses in the state, to suspend what’s known as the “good and substantial reason” standard for carrying concealed weapons.

Maryland governor contenders Moore and Perez push their visions on Baltimore radio, while Franchot is a no-show

In the tightly contested Democratic primary for governor, front-runners Wes Moore and Tom Perez shared their pitches with Baltimore radio listeners on Friday, while Peter Franchot opted not to participate in the joint appearance. Moore, a bestselling author and former nonprofit executive; Perez, former head of the Democratic National Committee; and Franchot, the longtime state comptroller; are statistically tied atop the Democratic field of candidates, according to a poll conducted by the Goucher College Poll in partnership with The Baltimore Banner and WYPR.