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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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People wish for more and let go of hard things at the Water Lantern Festival – WTOP News

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People wish for more and let go of hard things at the Water Lantern Festival – WTOP News


The Water Lantern Festival is underway at Maryland’s National Harbor, where hundreds of people turned out Friday to participate in the opening event.

Hundreds of people took part in the first night of a weekend Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor in Maryland.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

Jack Hawkins came all the way from Richmond, Virginia, to take part in the Water Lantern Festival.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

The festival runs through the weekend, with water lanterns launched each night at about 7:30 p.m.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

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Hundreds of people took part in the first night of a weekend Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor in Maryland.

According to organizers, the festival is a community-centered experience where you can decorate a floating paper lantern with personal messages of love, hope, remembrance or intention, and release them onto the water.

Jack Hawkins came all the way from Richmond, Virginia, to take part in the event.

“You’re with friends, family and loved ones. You can put your dreams and hopes and everything in the lantern and, hopefully, they come true,” he said.

Hawkins wrote a special wish for his children on his lantern which read, “The kids to have a bright and meaningful life with all the happiness in the world.”

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A woman named Tee said the lantern release represents hope for her. “Life has been hard the last couple of months, and just the thought of being able to write it down and watch it flow away kind of connected with me,” she said.

One of the lanterns quoted scripture from the book of Psalms: “God is with her, she will not fail.”

Alyssa Bailey expressed gratitude on her lantern.

“I actually just served a mission for my church and so I wrote about how Jesus loves me and how he cares for me and loves other people,” she said.

Jessica Hawkins sees the event as a way to express what’s inside.

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“I like the idea of getting your hopes and wants out, and putting it out in the world and watching what the future brings from there,” she told WTOP.

The festival runs through the weekend, with water lanterns launched each night at about 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online.

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© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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USPS driver charged with manslaughter in crash that killed Montgomery County woman

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USPS driver charged with manslaughter in crash that killed Montgomery County woman


It was a summer morning last July when 64-year-old Mairi Morrison set out for her daily walk, not knowing it would be her last.

Surveillance video shows a USPS mail truck pulling out of a gas station in Kensington, Maryland, right as Morrison was crossing the driveway.

After the USPS driver hit Morrison, he kept driving forward for 4 seconds and then backed up for 6 seconds, all with her body still underneath the van, according to court documents.

“I feel her loss every single day and I try not to imagine, but it’s not easy, how painful and horrific her death ended up being,” Morrison’s sister, Catriona Morrison, told News4 by phone.

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The driver of the mail truck was 26-year-old Oscar Pedrozo from Silver Spring. Montgomery County prosecutors have now charged him with criminally negligent manslaughter, a misdemeanor.

Court documents show Pedrozo told police in an interview he heard a thump and felt a vibration, and thought someone ran into him.

He admitted he had earbuds in and was listening to music, but he said the volume was low and that he could still hear his surroundings.

“I am relieved the driver is being held responsible. I also feel, of course, sadness and a renewed sense of how much has been needlessly lost,” Catriona Morrison said.

Mairi Morrison was an attorney. Her sister said she enjoyed reading, traveling and giving pro-bono legal assistance.

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“If somebody needed legal help, she would just throw herself into the cause and work tirelessly for them free of charge,” she said.

Court records show Pedrozo posted bond on Thursday.

If convicted, he could face up to three years behind bars.

Pedrozo’s trial is scheduled for May 14.

“The individual is still an employee with the U.S. Postal Service,” USPS said in a statement to News4. “Pursuant to postal policy, we do not discuss internal personnel matters, and we cannot further comment on the status of this employee.”

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Showers and falling temperatures across Maryland Friday

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Showers and falling temperatures across Maryland Friday



A strong cold front crossing Maryland Friday will bring us a shock to the system. Temperatures will turn dramatically colder late Friday through Saturday. 

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Turning chilly, showery weather Friday across Maryland

Morning temperatures continue to fall across Maryland as a cold front crosses the state. You’ll need your umbrella at times Friday, but the day isn’t a washout. The greatest chance of rain is now through 10 a.m. Friday. There will be a pause in the shower activity late morning through early afternoon with cloudy skies, breezy, and chilly weather.

A second batch of showery weather will arrive after 2 p.m. and last through about 6 p.m. This second round of showers will be more focused for areas along and south of I-70. Showers will quickly taper off by early evening as temperatures continue to fall. 

A few scattered snow flurries cannot be ruled out as the core of the cold air arrives late Friday evening. Overnight lows Friday into Saturday morning will fall into the lower 30s with wind-chills dropping into the 20s.

Weekend starts cold, but turns milder in Baltimore 

Morning temperatures both Saturday and Sunday will start off in the lower 30s. Saturday will feel colder though with a gusty wind out of the northwest at 10 to 20 mph. Saturday will be the colder of the two weekend days with highs only in the upper 40s. The O’s game Saturday afternoon will feature chilly sunshine with temperatures in the middle 40s. You’ll need to dress for winter. 

Sunday starts cold, but will turn milder during the afternoon. Look for a mostly sunny sky with winds turning gusty out of the southwest at 10 to 20 mph. Highs by Sunday afternoon will top out around 60°. The O’s game Sunday afternoon will still feel quite  cool with the gusty breeze, so make sure you’re wearing a spring jacket, but also have the sunglasses. 

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Warmer, scattered storms possible in Maryland next week

Temperatures continue to warm up through the early part of next week as a chance of scattered rain returns to the forecast.

Clouds and a few showers will keep temperatures in the low to middle 70s on Monday. The warm front should lift north of the area on Tuesday allowing temperatures to warm into the lower 80s with mainly dry weather.

 Wednesday’s temperatures will soar into the lower to middle 80s ahead of a strong cold front that arrives Wednesday evening. Showers and gusty thunderstorms will be possible late Wednesday into Wednesday night. Behind the cold front, temperatures will be cooler Thursday and Friday with the chance for showers. 



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