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Election aftermath: Maryland's winners and losers – Maryland Matters

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Election aftermath: Maryland's winners and losers – Maryland Matters


It’s all over but the shouting.

The sheer scale of former President Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election was breathtaking — and will still require a lot of soul-searching and contemplation in a lot of corners of this country.

Here in Maryland, Election Day didn’t produce too many surprises. But still, there were consequential developments, and performances, and political trends, that are worth talking about.

So without further ado, here’s our list of winners and losers. It’s by no means complete. And we apologize in advance for any sins of commission or omission.

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Winner: Angela Alsobrooks

Another history-making political star is born in Maryland, and she’s headed to the U.S. Senate. Even her vanquished opponent, former Gov. Larry Hogan (R), said her election was something to celebrate — as is the fact that there will be two Black women serving together in the Senate for the first time in history.

After a shaky start, the Prince George’s County executive ran a disciplined, focused campaign and prosecuted the case against Hogan — who left office with mind-bending job approval ratings — almost flawlessly. She revealed just enough of herself, as a hardworking, conscientious public servant from humble beginnings, to connect with the voters.

But she won’t be going to Capitol Hill with the mission she envisioned. Instead of serving in a Democratic Senate, with a Democratic president who was a friend and mentor, Alsobrooks will be heading into hostile territory, dominated by Republicans. Her predecessor, outgoing U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D), managed to be productive under GOP majorities. That now becomes Alsobrooks’ challenge.

Winner: Sheila O’Connell

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The veteran Democratic strategist has now guided both of Maryland’s U.S. senators — Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen (D), who is about to become the state’s senior senator — to victory. Not bad…

Winner: Diversity in the state’s congressional delegation

Maryland has had zero women in its congressional delegation for the past eight years, but with Alsobrooks’ victory and Democratic state Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth’s win in the 3rd Congressional District puts two women in the state’s 10-member Capitol Hill contingent. Assuming April McClain Delaney (D) hangs on in the 6th District, that will make three of 10.

The record for women in Maryland’s delegation? Four. From 1987-1993, the state delegation included Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) and Reps. Helen Delich Bentley (R-2nd), Beverly Byron (D-6th) and Connie Morella (R-8th).

With Alsobrooks’ election, the state will also have more Black members of Congress than ever before, as she joins Reps. Glenn Ivey (D-4th) and Kweisi Mfume (D-7th). And her victory comes on the heels of Wes Moore’s election as governor and Anthony Brown’s election as state attorney general in 2022, a reminder that Black politicians are prospering as candidates for statewide office in Maryland.

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Winner: Andy Harris

Maryland’s lone Republican member of Congress is a strong ally of President-elect Donald Trump and should see many of his priorities enacted — or initiatives that he hates blocked — in the next few years. Harris is currently the chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, whose ranks will grow in the next Congress. He’s rising in seniority. And the physician will invariably be considered for a high-ranking position in the Trump administration — most likely in the health care realm — if that’s something that interests him.

Loser: Neil Parrott

The third time does not appear to have been the charm for the Republican nominee in the 6th Congressional District, pending the count of the final mail-in ballots. Parrott is a canny guy, with a following, so his political career may not be over. But it seems highly unlikely that the GOP will want to nominate the ex-state lawmaker for this competitive congressional seat a fourth time.

The governors

Push: Larry Hogan

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Sure, he lost his high-profile Senate bid to Alsobrooks. But face it, he never wanted to be in the Senate anyway, as he said repeatedly over the years.

Hogan ran a high-profile race that regularly attracted national media attention, not to mention tens of millions of dollars. He kept Democrats at home and largely off-balance, with the threat that he could flip a long-held Democratic seat, and made Maryland matter this election cycle. And even though he lost in part because Democrats did such a good job of tying him to national Republicans, he managed to largely keep his independent reputation intact — at least with the national media.

Hogan’s goal is always to be part of the political conversation. He’ll always be welcome on the cable chat shows, and invariably, there will be speculation that he might run for governor again in 2026. So … mission accomplished!

Push: Wes Moore

Our energetic governor was a coveted surrogate for the Harris-Walz ticket and other Democrats around the country, engendering good will among fellow officeholders, party donors and activists, and notice from the national pundit class. He’ll undoubtedly be discussed as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028.

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But man, Trump’s victory and the likelihood of full Republican hegemony on Capitol Hill is a disaster for Moore’s policy priorities and many of Maryland’s federal funding imperatives, at a time when four senior members of Congress from Maryland are moving on. [Loser: Matthew Verghese, Moore’s director of federal relations and senior adviser. Sorry, Matt.] How does the state prepare and compensate?

And we wonder: Are Moore and his team ready for the additional and inevitable national scrutiny and expectations, especially when there are so many governing and funding challenges ahead? How does he balance the work that’s required at home with his presumed national ambitions? Where does he fit in the national conversation about the future of the Democratic Party? Who’s advising him on these matters?

Loser: Martin O’Malley

His term as commissioner of the Social Security Administration ends around the time Trump will reenter the White House in January, and there’s zero chance he’ll be reappointed, which means he’ll be  out of a job then. Adding to the indignity, Baltimore City voters ignored his advice to vote against Question F, a ballot measure that will pave the way for the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor.

The resistance

Push: Jamie Raskin

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Whether or not Democrats retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives, which may be a stretch at this point, Raskin will use his position as the top Democrat on the Oversight and Accountability Committee to serve as a counterweight to Trump and Republican excesses on a variety of fronts. Obviously being chair comes with real power, while being the ranking member at least provides a bully pulpit. We can only begin to imagine how bummed Raskin, who has spent the last several years defending freedom and the Constitution, must be feeling right now. But people will listen — even if they don’t hear.

Push: Anthony Brown

See Raskin, Jamie, above. Especially if Republicans have full control of the federal government, Democratic attorneys general like Brown could become the last line of defense against extreme Trump and Republican policies — a role Brown’s predecessor, Brian Frosh (D), performed well during Trump’s first term.

In a statement Wednesday, Brown acknowledged the challenges ahead and vowed to act against any federal actions that threaten Marylanders’ rights.

“No matter who sits in the White House, my dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of Maryland’s communities remains unwavering,” he said.

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The question is, how many federal judges remain who will be receptive to the Democratic AGs’ arguments?

The rest

Winners: Ambitious Montgomery County politicians

Now that MoCo voters have effectively booted County Executive Marc Elrich (D) by imposing a two-term limit that prevents him from seeking reelection in 2026, umpteen ambitious Montgomery Democrats, most of whom serve on the county council, can begin mobilizing in earnest to try to replace him.

How many will run in the end? How many will share the same political bases and cut into each others’ base of support? Are there any outsiders who could make a viable run in the Democratic primary? How many candidates will agree to use the county’s robust public financing system, minimizing the influence of special interest money?

And could 2026 finally be the year that Montgomery County elects a woman as county executive? They’ve already done it in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Prince George’s and Wicomico counties, and in Baltimore City — but not in the jurisdiction that prides itself on being the most forward-looking and progressive in the state.

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Meanwhile, Elrich could have the last laugh: He’s contemplating running for a county council at-large seat again — a position he held for three terms before being elected executive in 2018. We would not bet against him.

Winner: Brandon Scott

Although he never had to sweat the general election, Scott (D) on Tuesday became the first Baltimore mayor to be reelected since Martin O’Malley in 2003. Because he looks like a kid, and sometimes displays a teen’s edgy energy, Scott is often underestimated. He shouldn’t be.

Winner: Zeke Cohen

Another political reformer wins citywide office. Cohen (D) will take over as Baltimore City Council president in December. That’s not a bad thing.

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Winner: Abortion rights

Seventy-four percent of state voters can’t be wrong.

Push: Prince George’s County

County residents, who often complain that they’re overlooked in the DMV, can and will take enormous pride in the election of Angela Alsobrooks as the state’s next U.S. senator. But Alsobrooks’ looming departure for greener political pastures comes at a potential cost to the county. For 14 years, even during crises like the pandemic, the county government had fairly stable and forward-looking leadership, after a major and deflating scandal — first under Rushern Baker (D), then under Alsobrooks (D).

Now the county enters a period of political transition and uncertainty, with even the method for picking Alsobrooks’ temporary successor not altogether clear. And many of the competent professionals who surrounded Alsobrooks in county government are likely to disburse.

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Loser: The Washington Post

The newspaper was roundly criticized, and rightfully so, after failing to endorse a presidential candidate for the first time since the 1970s. So much for “Democracy Dies in Darkness.”

But even people who saw great import in the Post’s White House endorsements conceded that a minuscule number of readers, at most, could be influenced by what the editorial board said about presidential candidates.

Where the Post could be, and has been, influential is with endorsements in local races. And this year, the paper all but abdicated that responsibility. In fact, the only Maryland general election in which the editorial board weighed in was the U.S. Senate race, opting for Alsobrooks over Hogan, though it praised both.

The New York Times this year announced that it would no longer endorse candidates in local races, though it did endorse Kamala Harris for president. Is the Post moving out of the endorsement business altogether? That would be a diminishment of its power and civic duty.

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Between Baltimore And Annapolis Is A Friendly Maryland Village With Lovely Streets And Suburban Ease – Islands

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Between Baltimore And Annapolis Is A Friendly Maryland Village With Lovely Streets And Suburban Ease – Islands






Maryland may be one of the smallest states in the United States (ranking number 42 out of 50 for land mass size), but its diversity has actually earned it a cool nickname: “America in Miniature”. Home to the largest estuary in America (the stunning Chesapeake Bay), the Old Line State also boasts buzzing metropolises like Baltimore and historic gems like the capital city of Annapolis, as well as a wealth of suburban villages between the two.

One such place is the homey suburb of Ferndale, tucked between the state’s two largest cities and just a few miles inland from Curtis Creek. Only about 10 miles south of Baltimore, this close-knit village is praised for its friendliness and laid-back urban highlights, including shopping malls, lovely residential streets, local museums, and historic nearby landmarks. Thanks to its position, Ferndale is often picked for its suburban ease and for being cheaper and less crowded than Baltimore while still offering plenty of things to do, from sports and parks to historic forts by the bay just a short drive away.

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If you are planning to make your way to Baltimore via air, Ferndale is in the perfect place to spend the night after landing at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). In fact, it is only about 2 miles from the airport and roughly 11 miles from Baltimore. This friendly suburb is also a great starting point for visiting Annapolis, one of America’s prettiest cities on the East Coast, located about 20 miles south of Ferndale, towards the glittering Eastern Bay.

Walk and shop among Ferndale’s charming streets

Technically a part of Glen Burnie, Ferndale may not have the world-class museums and storied streets of Annapolis or the vacation town vibes of bayside St. Michaels, but that’s because it’s more of a local’s playground than a tourist-filled village. It certainly doesn’t lack things to do and places to explore, with excellent shopping opportunities and residential streets to navigate.

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There is shopping galore available in Arundel Plaza on the eastern edge of Ferndale, connected to Pleasantville Park via the walkable residential streets of Wellham Avenue and West Furnace Branch Road. The northeastern corner of Ferndale is also a great spot to stop for a bite, whether you are after hearty Italian seafood pasta at Romano’s Bar and Grill or a fiery Peruvian dinner of hot, grilled chicken at Sardi’s Pollo A La Brasa. Other local bites worth highlighting include the fresh seafood restaurant Crabtowne, with its special Oyster Fridays, and the highly rated Grill at Quarterfield Station, a no-frills diner serving American fare like burgers and stews.

Ferndale has its share of historic attractions, too. Just a stone’s throw from the airport sits the Benson-Hammond House, a fascinating 19th-century property that also operates a museum. Displaying farming equipment typical of the late 1800s, the house also presents an array of antique Victorian textiles, furniture, and dolls. Open from March to November on alternating Saturdays, entry to the Benson-Hammon House requires a $7 donation for adult non-members (and $3 for minors).

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Enjoy plenty of activities with suburban ease

Unsurprisingly, many pick Ferndale for its excellent connection with both Baltimore and the surrounding Anne Arundel County. In fact, Ferndale is ideal if you want to explore the renowned historic and natural landmarks of the wider county. Highlights of these include the unmissable Fort McHenry National Monument (with its fascinating insight into the story of the national anthem), the natural oasis of Beverly Triton Natural Park, and the sandy beaches and gorgeous swimming and boating opportunities of Fort Smallwood Park.

You don’t even need to leave the suburb’s boundaries to fill your time with entertaining activities. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the airport. The Observation Gallery at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is a small treat for aviation aficionados. Open to the public without having to go through airport security, the Observation Gallery is a great place to watch landing and departing planes from the Baltimore airport runway, or just learn more about spacecraft aviation through the NASA artifacts and rocket models housed in this tiny exhibition space. Ferndale also has a thriving community that organizes events through the Ferndale Civic Association. Highlights of the calendar include Ferndale Day in May, an Easter Fair and Egg Hunt, and Christmas activities like the annual tree-lighting.

Thanks to their proximity to the airport, Ferndale and Glen Burnie are well supplied with high-standard hotels. The Hampton Inn Baltimore and Garner Hotel Glen Burnie, both 3-star hotels, and the Extended Stay America Suites (2-star) are all located within a square mile of each other, though the 4-star Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport may be worth the price based on comparative reviews. The Maryland Transit Administration runs buses from the hotel (and airport) into and throughout Ferndale, giving you ultimate access to this hidden gem of a town.

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Alleged Maryland puppy thief pretended to show interest before stealing and selling them, documents say

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Alleged Maryland puppy thief pretended to show interest before stealing and selling them, documents say


A man who allegedly stole seven puppies in a Maryland county had pretended to purchase them before returning for the theft, according to charging documents obtained by WJZ.

Charging documents say 28-year-old Kahili Hines stole the puppies from a Harford County apartment before selling them outside of Arundel Mills Mall.

“In my experience, we have not had a theft involving a litter of puppies, so this was definitely unique,” said Aberdeen Police Captain Will Reiber.

Hines is facing charges of burglary and theft.  

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Reiber told WJZ this theft is unlike any case he’s seen before.

“Our detectives, through the course of the investigation, were able to narrow down a suspect, and through that it was determined that the dogs were potentially sold in the area of Arundel Mills Mall in Anne Arundel County,” Reiber said.

The alleged puppy theft

On Nov. 14, the alleged victim, who was selling the puppies for his sister, got a call from an acquaintance about her nephew wanting to purchase one of the puppies, according to charging documents.

The two came over to see the animals, and the nephew, identified as Hines, said he had to leave to get money to pay for the puppy.

According to the documents, the victim then fell asleep, and when he woke up hours later, “he observed all seven puppies, along with the mother dog, missing from his apartment.”

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“The relationships between animals and humans, it’s a very strong bond,” Reiber said. “And I can only imagine as a dog owner myself what it would feel like to go through that separation from your puppy, something you’ve just brought into the world and want to sell and do the best for.”

On Nov. 30, the victim, the victim’s sister, and the acquaintance all FaceTimed, and the acquaintance told them her nephew had the puppies, according to charging documents.

Weeks later, the victim identified Hines as the man who came to his apartment showing interest in the puppies on Nov. 14.

Puppies sold outside of Maryland mall

Hines was arrested and told investigators he sold the puppies from a wagon outside of Arundel Mills Mall.

“We believe those puppies are still out there,” Reiber said. “We are not trying to recover the dogs and take them from the new relationships that have been formed. The owner of the puppies just wants to make sure the puppies have found a safe home and also we would love to get the details form anyone that purchased a puppy to find out where the animal was purchased, and more details into how they came into possession of the dog.”

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Anyone with information should call the Aberdeen Police Department.



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Md. attorney general says state wins most appeals on denied health care claims, too many give up – WTOP News

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Md. attorney general says state wins most appeals on denied health care claims, too many give up – WTOP News


Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said a unit within the Consumer Protection Division in his office has recovered or saved consumers $2.6 million by challenging health care claims that were denied.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said a unit within the Consumer Protection Division in his office has recovered or saved consumers $2.6 million by challenging denied health care claims.

The state’s annual report, however, showed only 10% of Marylanders appeal their bills when a claim is denied. But in the past fiscal year, the state succeeded in 56% of the cases it challenged.

Brown said consumers pay premiums so that their medical care can be covered. When their claim is rejected, he said, “Too many Marylanders just give up, thinking they have no choice but to accept the denial or to pay bills they can’t afford.”

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Among the cases the state’s Health Education and Advocacy Unit looked at are those that have what Brown called “surprise medical bills.” Those are bills for components of care that the consumer believed would be covered.

“Last year, the HEAU saved a family more than $23,000 when their child was moved from a hospital’s emergency room to its inpatient psychiatric unit just two floors apart,” Brown said.

He explained that in that case, the emergency department was considered in-network, while the psychiatric unit was not.

“Although there are laws against these unlawful surprises, too many Marylanders are still charged these fees,” Brown said.

According to the attorney general’s office, in cases where original denials are not overturned, the HEAU is often able to negotiate a reduction of the original amount and set up payment plans for consumers.

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Consumers looking for help in navigating the process can call the unit’s hotline Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 410-528-1840. Complaints can also be filed online.



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