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The Filing Deadline Roundtable
The filing deadline has passed, and the board is finally set for Maryland’s 2026 elections. With a flurry of last-minute entries and some surprising absences, the stakes for the state’s political future have never been clearer. From a wide-open race in the 5th Congressional District to generational challenges in some state legislative seats, there’s plenty to watch in this election cycle.
In this episode, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by Alex Hughes (Blended Public Affairs) and Will Ford (Maryland Matters) for a roundtable conversation to break down the final candidate lists. They explore why so many Democrats are vying for the same seats, why the Republican "bench" remains thin in key counties, and what the high number of uncontested races means for the health of Maryland's democracy.
Why This Episode Matters The people who filed by the deadline will determine the laws, budgets, and priorities of Maryland for years to come. The lack of competition in some areas and the extreme "pile-on" in others reveals a state in political transition. Understanding who is running—and who isn't—is essential for any voter trying to navigate a primary season where the noise is louder than ever. Whether you are tracking the power shifts in Annapolis or the federal races in D.C., this roundtable offers the context needed to make sense of the 2026 ballot.
Connect With the Show Questions, comments, or story ideas: [email protected]
Links & Resources Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.
- Maryland Matters: https://www.marylandmatters.org
- Blended Public Affairs: https://www.blendedpublicaffairs.com
- Carper Cre8tive: https://www.carpercreative.studio
- (00:00) - Roundtable and filing deadline
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By Blended Public AffairsThe filing deadline has passed, and the board is finally set for Maryland’s 2026 elections. With a flurry of last-minute entries and some surprising absences, the stakes for the state’s political future have never been clearer. From a wide-open race in the 5th Congressional District to generational challenges in some state legislative seats, there’s plenty to watch in this election cycle.
In this episode, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by Alex Hughes (Blended Public Affairs) and Will Ford (Maryland Matters) for a roundtable conversation to break down the final candidate lists. They explore why so many Democrats are vying for the same seats, why the Republican "bench" remains thin in key counties, and what the high number of uncontested races means for the health of Maryland's democracy.
Why This Episode Matters The people who filed by the deadline will determine the laws, budgets, and priorities of Maryland for years to come. The lack of competition in some areas and the extreme "pile-on" in others reveals a state in political transition. Understanding who is running—and who isn't—is essential for any voter trying to navigate a primary season where the noise is louder than ever. Whether you are tracking the power shifts in Annapolis or the federal races in D.C., this roundtable offers the context needed to make sense of the 2026 ballot.
Connect With the Show Questions, comments, or story ideas: [email protected]
Links & Resources Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.
- Maryland Matters: https://www.marylandmatters.org
- Blended Public Affairs: https://www.blendedpublicaffairs.com
- Carper Cre8tive: https://www.carpercreative.studio
- (00:00) - Roundtable and filing deadline