FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2026

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For the First Time in More Than 50 Years, Maryland Democrats Field Candidates in Every State Legislative Race

The Maryland Democratic Party is energized, growing, and building power in every corner of the state

Annapolis, MD — Six months ago, the Maryland Democratic Party set an ambitious goal: Contest every seat. Today, that goal has been achieved.

Democrats have now filed candidates in every State Senate and House of Delegates race in Maryland, marking the first time since 1974 that the party will appear on the ballot in 100% of the state’s legislative districts.

The milestone follows months of strategic recruitment by Democratic Central Committees along with national partners, grassroots leaders, and elected officials who worked to ensure no district and no community was written off.

“This is about competing everywhere,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steuart Pittman. “For too long there were districts where Democrats did not always field candidates. That changes now. By organizing in every corner of Maryland, we are rebuilding the party in places where we have lost ground and creating opportunities to compete, win seats, and grow our movement for years to come.”

Governor Wes Moore said the effort is about fighting back on behalf of Marylanders across the state.

“This is the first time in my life Democrats are putting up a fight in every house and senate seat across Maryland,” Governor Wes Moore said. “Maryland Democrats are not backing down as Republicans across the state and in Washington support Trump’s dangerous far-right agenda that is costing hardworking Marylanders their jobs and raising costs on everything. Together we will fight to win in November in every single part of Maryland.”

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said the expanded candidate list will strengthen both the party and bring new ideas.

“Running everywhere means listening everywhere,” Ferguson said. “When Democrats put candidates on the ballot in communities that have not always seen them before, we start conversations, build relationships, and generate new ideas to inform the policy happening in Annapolis.”

Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-Melnyk said the milestone reflects a long-term commitment to growing Democratic leadership statewide.

“This is how we build the next generation of leaders,” Peña-Melnyk said. “Contest Every Seat is about creating space for voices that do not always have a seat at the table and encouraging people in every part of the state to run and serve. It is how Democrats build the energy and infrastructure to compete for years to come.”

The Contest Every Seat initiative was a deliberate recruitment program started by the Maryland Democratic Party. This effort brought together representatives from local central committees, Maryland based candidate training programs, and national Democratic partners focused on candidate recruitment.

The representatives met bi-weekly to review potential candidates, discuss recruitment strategies, and update progress toward the goal. Due to these efforts, Maryland voters will see the most expansive Democratic legislative ticket since 1974.

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