
Maryland’s House delegation is remarkably adept at keeping challengers at bay. No incumbent has lost a primary since 2008, and the state’s 7-1 edge for Democrats hasn’t budged since the party reshaped and plucked the 6th District from Republicans in 2012.
Open seats are another story. Last cycle, the state’s long-stagnant political waters were roiled by a sudden flood of retirements. Primaries in the 3rd and 6th districts saw millions of dollars in ad spending and long lines of candidates hoping for a daily commute to the Capitol. Three new incumbents — Reps. Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney and Johnny Olszewski — are still settling into their seats.
It’s unlikely that 2026 produces a similar makeover, but all eyes are on 85-year-old Rep. Steny Hoyer as he faces renewed pressure to pass the torch to a younger generation. Democrats and the GOP have longshot targets in the 1st and 6th districts, respectively, but a serious change in the overall political landscape would be required to put either on the map.
MD-01: Andy Harris (R) — Eastern Shore, Harford CountySolid
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