Maryland voters will be deciding on a competitive race for the U.S. Senate on Election Day, a rare occurrence in the traditionally left-leaning state. The Senate race has become one of the most closely watched contests in the country, as Democratic county executive Angela Alsobrooks faces off against Republican former Gov. Larry Hogan. This race is particularly significant as it will determine whether Republicans can gain control of the chamber, with both sides spending millions on advertising to sway voters.
In addition to the Senate race, Maryland will also be filling three open seats in the U.S. House, as well as deciding whether to approve an amendment enshrining abortion rights into the state’s constitution. Mayor Brandon Scott seeks reelection in Baltimore, adding to the list of important races in the state. Hogan and his GOP allies are spending over $40 million in an effort to flip Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin’s open seat, while Alsobrooks and other Democratic groups have spent or reserved around $30 million in ads since the start of the general election campaign. Cardin is retiring, leaving the seat open for a new representative.
Democratic Rep. David Trone’s decision to run for the Senate instead of seeking reelection has left an open seat in the 6th Congressional District in western Maryland. Democrat April McClain Delaney, who is married to former Rep. John Delaney, is running for that seat against GOP nominee Neil Parrot. The race has seen significant Democratic spending. Democratic Reps. Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes are also retiring, though their open seats have not attracted as much attention as the 6th District race.
The presidential ballot in Maryland includes Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Republican former President Donald Trump, and three third-party candidates. Maryland has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since George H.W. Bush in 1988. The Associated Press does not make projections and will only declare a winner when all scenarios have been considered. The AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, including candidate concessions or declarations of victory. The Election Day is set for Nov. 5, with poll closing at 8 p.m. ET.
In past presidential elections, Maryland has shown a strong Democratic lean, with Biden winning 65% of the vote in 2020. Voter turnout has been around 68% in the 2020 presidential election, with a majority of votes cast before Election Day. The state currently has 4.5 million registered voters, with about 48% Democrats and 22% Republicans. With the Senate and House races heating up, as well as the ballot measure regarding reproductive freedom, Maryland voters are gearing up for a consequential Election Day. Stay tuned for updates on the results as they come in.
