With polls closing at 8 p.m. on June 23, and mail-in ballots still being tallied, some politicians across the state are celebrating as others await answers for Maryland’s 2026 Democratic primaries. With several new county executives, a new member of Congress, and changes to the state legislature, the election — regardless of outcome — is sure to shape the dynamics of state politics.
“It was important because a shift has occurred — a positive shift reflecting up and coming communities, especially the African American community that has given so much back,” said Clem Kaikis, a longtime state and local political advocate.
Del. Adrian Boafo (D-District 23) was officially declared the winner of the Fifth Congressional District primary, buoyed by the support of longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D).
“Tonight the Democratic voters of the 5th Congressional District decided that it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders,” said Boafo as the race was called. “And it’s with great humility that I accept that responsibility.”
Moore easily won his primary contest against Eric Felber and will be facing former Del. Dan Cox in a rematch of the 2022 election that the governor won by a significant percentage.
“I am very excited about what we’ve done in just three and a half years. It’s actually pretty remarkable: the fastest drops in violent crime in America and among the fastest jumps in math and reading scores,” he said in an interview with FOX45. “I am very proud of the work we have done.”
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) won re-election against several challengers with roughly 70% of the vote, and State’s Attorney Tara Jackson won nearly 60% of the voter bloc against two challengers.
“I grew up understanding the importance of hard work, the understanding that nothing is given to you and you have to earn it. God loves a humble servant,” she said at her election party. “It is with humility that I accept this Democratic nomination to continue our work in Gorgeous Prince George’s.”
African American candidates Will Jawando of Montgomery County, Julian Jones of Baltimore County, and Vanessa Atterbeary of Howard County are leading in races to serve as the county executives of three of Maryland’s largest counties. Jawando is currently leading Councilmember Andrew Friedson (D-District 1), although Friedson has not conceded.
“We’re not done yet. But we’re excited about where we are,” Jawando said, according to Bethesda Magazine. “This is a beautiful room. This is Montgomery County: every race, every age, every ethnicity, every part of the county — that’s what this room represents.”
Kaikis is excited to watch Baltimore County’s first African American executive serve the needs of the community.
“Jones has several veterans on the County Council to work with. The key is to watch him and what he is going to do in Baltimore County,” Kaikis continued. “You are the moves you make.”
Some of the most surprising results of the night included Qiana Johnson’s lead for Clerk of Court, Kayla Bryant’s early lead for Register of Wills, and Amar Makunda’s successful primary challenge of longtime Sen. Nancy King (D-District 39).
State Sens. Ron Watson (D-District 23), Anthony Muse (D-District 26), and Kevin Harris (D-District 27) all defeated primary challenges, as did Del. Jeff Long (D-District 27B).
Around 11 p.m. on Election Night, Kevin Ford Jr. was trailing Del. Tiffany Alston (D-District 24) in the contest to replace Sen. Joanne Benson (D-District 24). In addition, Tracy Gant, Molly McKee-Seabrook, Keenon James, and LaTasha Ward are all poised to enter the House of Delegates next year, following successful campaigns.
“I will say that this is not about me: this is about the team. Together, everyone achieves more,” said Ford Jr. at his Lanham watch party. “It looks like Phyllis Wright is going to be our Democratic Central Committee member and LaTasha Ward will be our next Delegate. As we continue to watch the results come in, we will keep our fingers on the pulse and pay attention to the canvassing.”
Prince George’s County Council Race
In Prince George’s County, many of the election outcomes are already decided. Michelle Garcia, Victor Ramirez, and Tamara Davis Brown all won their primary election contests and will serve on the Prince George’s County Council next year, representing districts 1, 2, and 9, respectively.
“Shoutout to all the folks showing up at the election polls,” said Davis Brown on June 17. “It’s beautiful to see so many people exercising their right to vote.”
Prince George’s Councilmembers Tim Adams (D-District 4) and Danielle Hunter (D-District 6), who were both appointed to the legislative body in the past year, were both successfully elected despite spirited primary challenges.
Councilmember Shayla Adams-Stafford (D-District 5) was re-elected to her seat easily, and Councilmembers Eric Olson (D-District 3), Krystal Oriadha (D-District 7), and Edward Burroughs III (D-District 8) all ran uncontested.
Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D-At Large) maintained a strong lead for one of the two at-large positions, while Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D) held a small lead over Jeana Jacobs for the second at-large seat.
“What I’ve tried to do at large is think of things that affect the whole county that other councilmembers may not pay attention to,” she said in an interview with PGCTV. “Right now, this is dealing with the disability community. I want to help those [who] are blind or with low vision who have to travel to D.C. or Baltimore to get services.”
While dismayed by the results, Jordan Peebles is committed to remaining engaged in the political process.
“At the end of the day, our goal is the same. We all want to see the potential of this great county finally come to fruition,” said Peebles in a social media post. “Let’s continue to show up, organize, and mobilize to ensure that we uphold accountability and integrity.”
At the time of publishing, the overwhelming majority of votes by mail ballots had not yet been counted. View the results in detail at results.elections.maryland.gov.
