Maryland
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maryland
Chance of showers on Christmas, wintry mix possible in Maryland on Friday
Multiple storm systems will impact the Mid-Atlantic through the holiday weekend, into next week. The WJZ First Alert Weather Team
has tagged Friday as a possible First Alert Weather Day, due to the potential for a slick wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow.
Gloomy weather continues into Tuesday evening in Baltimore
Temperatures remain stuck in the low to mid-40s across central Maryland, greater Baltimore and the eastern shore. Morning rain and wintry mix have moved out of our area. But, clouds remain thick.
Plan on a mostly cloudy evening with a temperatures hovering in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Areas of fog may develop overnight, into early Wednesday morning. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s and lower 40s around sunrise on Christmas Eve morning.
Fantastic Christmas Eve weather in Maryland
Wednesday will be the nicest weather day of the week.
With the help of much more sunshine, temperatures will warm into the upper 40s and lower 50s in many areas. It’ll be breezy. Winds will gust 20 to 30 MPH through the afternoon. The weather looks good for holiday plans, aside from the breezy winds.
Travel weather will be great up and down the I-95 and I-70 corridors across the region through Christmas Eve afternoon.
Damp start to Christmas Day in Baltimore
A passing storm system will send a round of showers through Maryland on Christmas morning. While mostly rain, snow and sleet may mix in early in the morning. The chance of a brief wintry mix is greatest in northeast Maryland around sunrise. No wintry accumulation is expected, with morning temperatures in the mid to upper 30s.
The forecast dries out from northwest, to southeast, by mid-morning. Afternoon temperatures peak in the upper 40s and lower 50s, under a mostly cloudy sky.
Another batch of cold air will blow into Maryland Christmas night, into Friday morning ahead of the next storm system.
Potential winter storm Friday across Maryland
There is a chance of freezing rain, sleet and snow on Friday. Travel impacts are possible.
Colder air will be in-place across Maryland as the next storm system approaches. All wintry precipitation types are possible across our part of the state. A few wintry showers could arrive as early as Friday morning. However, a greater chance of winter weather and slick travel arrives late Friday afternoon. The wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow could continue into Friday night.
Snow and ice may accumulate. However, it’s still early and the forecast may need to be adjusted. Check back with the WJZ First Alert Weather Team over the next few days. Friday is a possible First Alert Weather Day.
Maryland
Maryland commission approves half of BGE’s $152.3 million funding request to support rate increase
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Maryland
Maryland DNR Provides Guidance Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Maryland DNR Provides Guidance Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, is found sporadically in the state’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl, raptors, and black vultures (pictured above). Photo by by Michael Dwyer, submitted to the 2023 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
Early indicators suggest the coming months could be active for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds again this year. Avian influenza, often called “bird flu,” is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds. While once considered rare in Maryland, the virus is now being detected more commonly in the state’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl, raptors, and black vultures. Risk to human health is considered low, but people who may handle or encounter wild birds should take common precautions to protect themselves and help limit the spread of this virus.
Hunting wild birds, including waterfowl and geese, is safe but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommend some guidelines for hunters and others who encounter wild birds:
- Never handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer immediately after handling game.
- Use disposable gloves when handling game and double-bag offal and feathers.
- Use dedicated clothing, boots, and tools for cleaning game that are not used around poultry or pet birds. Anyone preparing harvested waterfowl should cook it to 165 degrees to kill any viruses or bacteria. Hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts can check online for more information from USDA on safely processing and disposing of wild birds.
Anyone who fills birdfeeders for the winter may continue to do so, as songbirds rarely carry or spread the HPAI virus.
Hiking, photography, and other outdoor activities in areas where wild birds congregate are safe, although as with hunting, precautions should be taken to avoid sick or dead birds.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle or move the birds but should first report them to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) by calling 1-877-463-6497. DNR contracts annually with APHIS to help the state triage approximately 30,000 calls related to sick, injured, or dead wildlife. APHIS operators are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on state holidays. Those with area codes from outside Maryland should call 410-349-8055. Voicemails will be promptly returned.
USDA APHIS employs staff who are trained to handle and remove sick or dead wild birds while mitigating biosecurity risks and reducing potential spread of the disease to domestic poultry facilities. Key DNR staff are also trained and equipped to dispose of dead birds that may have contracted the virus and will be supplementing the disposal efforts. Reports will be triaged based on their seriousness and the two agencies will advise callers on a course of action and determine whether a direct field response is required.
More information on HPAI and how to mitigate exposure of domestic poultry to wild birds can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging poultry farm and backyard flock owners are urged to follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of HPAI:
- Restrict access to poultry by posting “Restricted Access” signage, securing the area with a gate, or both.
- Take steps to ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or area.
- Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry are kept:
- Footbaths and foot mats with disinfectant.
- Boot washing and disinfectant station.
- Footwear change or foot covers.
- Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing it.
- Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by wind.
- Allow MDA to enter the premises during normal working hours to inspect your biosecurity and sanitation practices.
- Report any unusual domestic poultry deaths or sudden increases in very sick poultry to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593.
Dead wild birds can be reported to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by calling 1-877-463-6497. USDA Wildlife Services operators are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on state holidays. Those with phone numbers outside of Maryland should call 410-349-8055. Voicemails will be promptly returned.
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