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Trump gains in Maryland: A trend or an aberration? – Maryland Matters

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Trump gains in Maryland: A trend or an aberration? – Maryland Matters


No, Maryland is not about to flip from blue to red.

Vice President Kamala Harris carried the state by more than 20 points, and Democrats held the open U.S. Senate seat and were on the way to retaining their 7-1 advantage in the state’s U.S. House delegation — their top political priorities this year. They also waded into local school board elections for the first time in recent memory and fared pretty well.

But former President Donald Trump did get a higher percentage of the vote in Maryland this year than he did in 2020, just as he did in 48 of 50 states. And he appears to have improved his numbers in all 24 of the state’s jurisdictions.

In 2020, President Biden defeated Trump 65% to 32% in Maryland and carried Baltimore City and nine counties. This year, Harris is ahead 60% to 37% and carried eight jurisdictions — though the margin is expected to widen some after more mail-in ballots are tallied.

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“Maryland is not an island, so those national trends are going to come here,” said Mileah Kromer, a pollster and director of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Institute of Politics.

The question is whether any of the political developments that put Trump over the top will have any lasting effect nationally or in Maryland — whether there is anything for state Republicans to build on or for state Democrats to worry about.

Population centers like Baltimore City and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties are going to remain Democratic powerhouses, as they have been for decades. But politics can be a game of inches and micro trends, and Maryland does have some red and purple jurisdictions and swing-y legislative districts that political strategists fret over.

Harris easily beats Trump in Maryland; the rest of the country is still a question mark

“Maryland is bigger than the core solid blue, geographically-centric counties that Maryland Democrats have come to rely on,” said Peter E. Perini Sr., a Hagerstown City Council member and former Washington County Democratic chair.

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There have been no public exit polls on the Maryland vote this week, so it isn’t clear if some of the changes in the national electorate also occurred here. The Maryland State Board of Elections will release vote statistics from congressional districts and legislative districts in a few weeks.

Sometimes a single election can transform an area for a long time.

A prime example is in legislative District 6, centered in blue-collar Dundalk in Baltimore County. Going into the 2014 election, the district had a Democratic state senator and three Democratic delegates. But the delegation flipped to all-Republican in 2014, the same year former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) was elected in a major upset, and there isn’t much talk about Democrats trying to win the district back these days.

That development, in the view of many strategists, presaged Trump’s rise in 2016, and particularly his appeal to working-class voters. The trend accelerated in this year’s White House election, not just with working-class white voters, but with working-class Black and Latino men as well — a shift that some Democratic strategists find particularly concerning.

Paul Ellington, the former executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, said the GOP should learn from and build on that development, nationally and in the state. He said that Trump, in his unconventional way, listened to the concerns of working-class Americans and crafted a message on the economy and other issues that appealed to them.

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“Kind of like how Hogan became ‘every man’ in Maryland and cut into traditional Democratic constituencies, Donald Trump has done that, particularly with what we would call labor, with working men and women,” Ellington said. “For too long, Republicans have carried the water for Chamber of Commerce types, when in fact, Chamber of Commerce types in Maryland probably split their donations between the two parties.”

Throughout the U.S. electorate, economic jitters proved to be a motivating issue, even if national statistics suggested that the economy was strong and getting stronger. That attitude also accrued to Trump’s benefit.

“The economy in front of them is the only economy that matters to voters,” Kromer said. “People care most about their groceries.”

But even if Trump’s political strength this election created some opportunities that Maryland Republicans might be able to take advantage of in discrete areas, the GOP writ large is not going to succeed in this state as a Trump party. The Senate race, with the decidedly anti-Trump Hogan as the Republican nominee, “was the only race that was competitive,” Kromer noted.

Clearly really smart people will do some autopsies and have some real work to do on how the Democratic Party communicates with the people. I do think there’s definitely going to be some soul-searching.

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– Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman

Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman acknowledged that there will soon be conversations and analysis at the national level about what Democrats did wrong and what they need to do better.

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“Clearly really smart people will do some autopsies and have some real work to do on how the Democratic Party communicates with the people,” he said. “I do think there’s definitely going to be some soul-searching.”

Some of that soul-searching will invariably turn on whether the party has become too “woke” and has moved too far to the left — a topic that will consume party leaders, activists and donors and political pundits for the foreseeable future, especially at the national level. Maryland Democrats will not be immune from that debate.

But Perini said voters in outlying areas of Maryland also want to see signs that their government cares about them, suggesting that recent cuts in state transportation funding, which will kill or stall key highway projects, could hurt Democrats with rural and suburban voters.

“You’ve got to understand how people feel when they take these projects off the books,” Perini said. “And how people feel is how they vote. We just need to give the people the credit for at least what they feel.”

Although April McClain Delaney, the Democratic nominee in the open-seat 6th District congressional race, appears to be headed to a narrow victory, and many party strategists worried about her fate, Perini predicted that her approach will resonate with voters in the ideologically, economically and geographically diverse district.

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“I loved her line, ‘common sense and common ground,’” he said. “From day one, that was her approach to campaigning and I believe that will be her approach to governing. So there is a road map for campaigning in areas that aren’t deep blue.”

‘I think we’re an outlier’

The good news for hand-wringing Democrats is that the 2026 election cycle has already begun, which means scores of political operatives and activists will be getting ready.

“As far as I’m concerned, the 2026 election started [Wednesday],” Perini said. “And if people aren’t strategizing, they’re already a day late.”

Alsobrooks makes history in Senate race, as Hogan cannot repeat his magic

Democrats can also take comfort knowing that the party that doesn’t control the White House often makes significant gains in the midterm elections — even though politics in the Trump era is more volatile and unpredictable than ever.

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Ulman said he feels good about the infrastructure the state Democratic Party built for the 2024 election, and that it will carry over for 2026, when all statewide elected officials, all state legislators and most county officials will be on the ballot. While Democrats were caught by surprise when Hogan decided this spring to run for Senate, his high-profile candidacy forced them to put together a strong operation quickly, when presidential election years are usually sleepier in Maryland.

“Together, our coordinated campaign ran an active campaign in all 24 jurisdictions, and that’s really going to help us in 2026,” Ulman said.

The party leader also said that the issue environment in 2026 could work to Democrats’ benefit, especially if Trump moves to radically make over the federal government, which is a major employer and economic driver in Maryland.

“My gut feeling after doing politics for 30 years is ’26 will be a really good cycle for the Democrats,” Ulman said. “But you have to prepare for the worst. I do think Marylanders are going to have a lot to be frustrated about with our federal government.”

Adam Wood, the executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, did not respond to a message Thursday seeking comment on the 2024 election results and what they may portend for 2026.

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Whatever small inroads Trump may have made in Maryland this year, the state has its own unique set of political trends and storylines.

“I think we’re an outlier,” said state Sen. Cory V. McCray (D-Baltimore City). “We’re standing in a state where we have a Black governor and a Black United States senator. We’re defying what the country is saying.”

But, McCray conceded, pointing to the presidential result, “The voters were saying something.”



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Maryland

November 21 Colder Winds Bring Snow To Central Maryland And Winter Storm Warning In The Mountains – Just In Weather

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November 21 Colder Winds Bring Snow To Central Maryland And Winter Storm Warning In The Mountains – Just In Weather


November 21, 2024

Thursday Morning Report

The squall line last night validated and even overachieved expectations. Winds gusted over 50 mph in many areas AND much needed rainfall added up to 0.94” in Baltimore through midnight. More was added afterward.

Colder air and a large upper-level trough will settle in Pennsylvania on Friday. This will bring in a taste of winter. The expectations for snow have now expanded to Central Maryland, and yes, it might be cold enough for some stickage on grassy areas.

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A Winter Storm Warning is in place for the high mountains of far Western Maryland and West Virginia. Snow is still expected to reach 1-foot accumulation along with 50 mph winds.

Let’s take a look……

Morning Surface Weather

Storm 1, which brought us rain and wind, is moving away and sending much-needed rain to the drought areas of Metro New York and New England.

Storm 2 is the main event that will pivot from the Great Lakes and nearly stall in Pennsylvania on Friday. This will include a strong upper-level source of cold air and instability. Snow will spread our way and enhance over the Appalachian mountains.

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Weather Preview

Storm Animation Today through Saturday Night

Watch the main storm spin in PA and pivot the next wave of energy that will enhance the snow on Friday, then pull away this weekend.

November 21 weather snow rain storm

 

Jet Stream Friday Morning

The core of the cold air will be over our region. There is a trough swinging through the Southeast US with enough enhanced energy to develop snow.

November 21 weather jet stream cold Friday

 

Snow and Rain Mix Friday

Notice the blue shading (snow) into metro Baltimore. A closer look is below.

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November 21 weather snow rain stormFriday

TODAY

Wind Forecast 7 AM to 7 PM

November 21 weather wind forecast Thursday

Wind Gusts at Noon

The stronger winds will be moving east, so it will be less windy this afternoon.

November 21 weather wind forecast Thursday noon

 

Radar Simulation: Noon to Midnight

There will be some showers with rain and maybe flakes after dark.

Heavy snow will get going in the mountains.

November 21 weather rain snow radar Thursday

 

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Afternoon Temperatures

November 21 weather temperatures Thursday afternoon

 

Radar Simulation Tonight

7 PM Wed to 7 AM Thu

 

CLIMATE DATA: Baltimore

TODAY November 21

Sunrise at 6:57 AM

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Sunset at 4:48 PM

Normal Low in Baltimore:  35ºF

Record 16ºF in 1951

Normal High in Baltimore: 55ºF

Record 79ºF 1900

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Baltimore Drought Update

  • 0.94” of rain fell Thursday… The updated deficit:
  • 6.66 inches BELOW AVERAGE rainfall since September 1st
  • 7.12 inches BELOW AVERAGE rainfall since January 1st
  • THE BURN BAN REMAINS IN PLACE

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22

Turning colder with developing snow from the North, and it will reach the northern suburbs during the morning.

Snow will mix with rain near and south of Baltimore.

Heavy snow will be raging in the mountains.

Morning Temperatures

November 21 weather temperatures Friday morning

 

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Morning Radar Simulation

November 21 weather snow radar Friday morning

 

Radar Forecast 7 AM to Midnight

November 21 weather snow radar Friday

 

Winds At Noon

November 21 weather wind forecast Friday noon

 

Afternoon Radar

November 21 weather snow radar Friday afternoon

 

Afternoon Temperatures

November 21 weather temperatures Friday afternoon

 

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WINTER STORM WARNING

This includes Garrett County, MD, and the high mountains of PA and WV.

Snow 6 to 12+ inches with wind gusts to 50 mph.

Note this is over the extreme drought region and is much needed.

November 21 Winter Storm Warning Snow

 

Snow Roads Profile

November 21 snow forecast Maryland road profile

Snow Forecast Models

There is a lot of agreement between the GFS and ECMWF.

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Yes, I see a dusting or more on the grassy areas north of Baltimore.

GFS

November 21 weather snow forecast GFS

 

ECMWF

November 21 weather snow forecast ECMWF

 

NAM 3Km

November 21 weather snow forecast NAM

 

In Case You Missed It

My Winter Outlook Report

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Winter 2024 to 2025 Snow Forecast Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia Delaware

 

7 Day Forecast

  • Colder air will continue to spill in through Saturday.
  • Some rain showers later today with a mix of flakes.
  • Heavy snow develops in the mountains.
  • Snow and mixed showers will expand into Central Maryland on Friday.
  • Briefly mild early next week. Then, rain on Wednesday may set up a colder Thanksgiving storm.

November 21 weather forecast 7 day Friday

 

Subscribe for eMail Alerts

Weather posts straight to your inbox

Sign up and be the first to know!

 

 

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Please share your thoughts and best weather pics/videos, or just keep in touch via social media.

 

SCHEDULE A WEATHER BASED STEM ASSEMBLY

Severe Weather: Storm Smart October and next spring

Winter Weather FITF (Faith in the Flakes): November To March

Click to see more and send a request for your school.

School Weather Assemblies Storm Smart FITF

 

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THANK YOU:

Baltimore Magazine Readers Choice Best Of Baltimore

 

Maryland Trek 11 Day 7 Completed Sat August 10

We raised OVER $104,000 for Just In Power Kids – AND Still Collecting More

The annual event: Hiking and biking 329 miles in 7 days between The Summit of Wisp to Ocean City.

Each day, we honor a kid and their family’s cancer journey.

Fundraising is for Just In Power Kids: Funding Free Holistic Programs. I never have and never will take a penny. It is all for our nonprofit to operate.

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Click here or the image to donate:

 

RESTATING MY MESSAGE ABOUT DYSLEXIA

I am aware there are some spelling and grammar typos and occasional other glitches. I take responsibility for my mistakes and even the computer glitches I may miss. I have made a few public statements over the years, but if you are new here, you may have missed it: I have dyslexia and found out during my second year at Cornell University. It didn’t stop me from getting my meteorology degree and being the first to get the AMS CBM in the Baltimore/Washington region.

One of my professors told me that I had made it that far without knowing and to not let it be a crutch going forward. That was Mark Wysocki, and he was absolutely correct! I do miss my mistakes in my own proofreading. The autocorrect spell check on my computer sometimes does an injustice to make it worse. I also can make mistakes in forecasting. No one is perfect at predicting the future. All of the maps and information are accurate. The ‘wordy’ stuff can get sticky. 

There has been no editor who can check my work while writing and to have it ready to send out in a newsworthy timeline. Barbara Werner is a member of the web team that helps me maintain this site. She has taken it upon herself to edit typos when she is available. That could be AFTER you read this. I accept this and perhaps proves what you read is really from me… It’s part of my charm. #FITF

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Damp and cold end to Maryland’s week

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Damp and cold end to Maryland’s week


Damp and cold end to Maryland’s week – CBS Baltimore

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Damp and cold end to Maryland’s week

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Ex-teacher who sexually abused 14-year-old Maryland student to serve fraction of 30-year sentence

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Ex-teacher who sexually abused 14-year-old Maryland student to serve fraction of 30-year sentence


A former middle school teacher who repeatedly sexually abused a 14-year-old student in Maryland has been sentenced to three decades in prison, but she’ll only serve one year, a judge ruled.

Melissa Marie Curtis, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts of a third-degree sex offense on June 20, according to information from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and District Court of Maryland court papers obtained by USA TODAY on Wednesday.

The Montgomery County Police Department initiated an investigation in early October 2023 when the eighth-grade victim, now an adult, reported he was sexually abused by Curtis who was a teacher at Montgomery Village Middle School, according to a previous news release from the agency.

At the time of the offenses, detectives reported, the student was 14 years old and Curtis was 22.

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Judge: Teacher to serve 12 months in jail

Curtis, who is from the town of Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office told USA TODAY Wednesday.

But Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Theresa Chernosky suspended most of Curtis’ sentence, allowing her to serve 12 months year in jail followed by five years of supervised probation, the spokesperson said.

When she is released, Curtis must register as a sex offender, the spokesperson said, and will not be permitted to have unsupervised contact with minors other than her children.

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The prosecutors office did not respond to a request for comment about the sentencing.

Teacher abused 14-year-old in classroom, car, at home

The victim told detectives the abuse began in 2015, the spokesperson said, when he volunteered for an after-school program that Curtis was running and “they were often alone together”

Charging documents show the victim told detectives Curtis sexually abused him in a classroom, in a car, at his home, and as well as Curtis’ home “more than 20 times” when he was in middle school. The complaint goes onto say Curtis also gave the boy drugs and alcohol multiple times.

A warrant for Curtis’s arrest was obtained on Oct. 31, 2023 and Curtis turned herself in on Nov. 7, 2023, officials reported.

At the time, Curtis had been a teacher for about two years in Montgomery County and taught at Lakelands Park Middle School as well.

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A spokesperson told Fox 5 Curtis left Montgomery County Public Schools in 2017.

USA TODAY has reached out to Montgomery County Public Schools.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.



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