FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2025
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Maryland Democrats Launch First Ever “Contest Every Seat” Campaign to Challenge Republicans in Every Corner of the State
Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Democratic Party is launching “Contest Every Seat,” an ambitious new effort to recruit Democrats to run in every race in the 2026 elections, from every General Assembly district to every county council seat.
This initiative responds to the urgent threats posed by Donald Trump and Republicans. Their attacks on our freedoms, our jobs, the economy, and basic rights provide a significant opportunity for Democrats to fight back, build our party, and win in places we have been losing ground, not just where it is already blue. “Contest Every Seat” is a coordinated effort to recruit candidates from every corner of the state and give them the tools, training, and network they need to win in a general election.
“Having Democrats on the ballot in every race is essential,” said Ann Marie Abell, Chair of the St. Mary’s County Democratic Central Committee. “Even in tough districts, showing up and listening to voters matters. Contest Every Seat shows the party is serious about reaching out to red areas and this effort will help us recruit strong candidates and build momentum.”
“Contest Every Seat is about bringing everyone with us,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Voters will see that while Washington is more divided than ever that we are showing people there’s a better way forward. I urge any Democrat that wants to make a difference in their community to consider running for office—the stakes are too high to have anyone on the sidelines.”
The “Contest Every Seat” campaign is already underway, with recruitment focused on areas where Republicans have gone unchallenged for too long. The Party is calling on Democrats from all backgrounds to step up and run for office.
The initiative is led by the State Party in partnership and coordination with representatives on the ground in the 18 counties where Democrats have not always run a full slate against Republicans. Additionally, we have partnered with organizations like Run for Something, Contest Every Race, and Emerge Maryland to supercharge our efforts.
“We believe that voters in rural and small-town Maryland will be looking in 2026 for an alternative to the Republican Party’s anti-family, anti-worker, and anti-farmer policies,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steuart Pittman. “That’s why Democrats in every Maryland county are talking to their neighbors about getting on the ballot. They want to fight for economic justice and dignity. We will contest every seat.”
Learn more and sign up to run at mddems.org/run.