Lobbyists seeking to influence Maryland officials donated about $2.6 million to the campaigns of those officials since the last statewide election in 2022 — a nearly 75% increase. Gov. Wes Moore

There’s a growing list of candidates vying to steal Democratic Gov. Wes Moore’s seat ahead of the 2026 primary election.

Maryland is traditionally a top-down state politically. Until recently, the state’s political landscape has been dominated by senior Democrats, whose centrist, establishment politics continue to hold sway in the State House and in many local governments.

Virginia Republicans hold first joint rally with Youngkin, Earle-Sears and Miyares, drawing contrasts with blue states and highlighting economic improvements under GOP leadership.

Amid all the worries about the perennially elusive youth vote, there’s a promising trend to talk about: In a growing number of towns and cities across the U.S., 16- and 17-year-olds are gaining the right to vote. The numbers are still small, but the momentum is real. Advocates say it’s about nurturing lifelong voters.