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State Senator · Legislative District 9 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Maryland State Senators represent their local districts in the General Assembly, where they propose and vote on laws covering issues like education, transportation, and public safety. They are responsible for approving the state’s annual budget and have the unique power to confirm or reject the Governor’s appointments for judges and agency leaders. This office is critical because its decisions determine how state tax dollars are spent and which policies govern your local community.
View all candidates in this raceBen Hightower is a Navy veteran and former Hospital Corpsman who served for 20 years, including six combat deployments and leadership roles at the Pentagon managing medical clinics and budgets exceeding $110 million. He holds an MBA in Healthcare from John Brown University Graduate School and currently works as a Health Plans Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Health Plans to support military families. Now running for Maryland State Senator District 9, he emphasizes his background in crisis management and budget oversight to address issues like rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime. He positions himself as a non-politician bringing 'service before politics' to Annapolis after retiring from active duty.
Sources: Campaign website
Healthcare
Leverages medical background to ensure those who serve receive care and addresses healthcare management.
“"Ben's exceptional performance in high-stakes environments earned him rapid promotion... As a combat medic, Ben didn't just witness the cost of freedom—he held it in his hands, treating wounded warriors and local civilians alike."”
Education
Addresses concerns about failing schools facing Maryland families.
“"The same establishment politicians continue offering the same failed solutions while Maryland families struggle with rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime."”
Public Safety
Focuses on increasing crime as a key challenge for community safety.
“"The same establishment politicians continue offering the same failed solutions while Maryland families struggle with rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime."”
Fiscal Policy
Highlights experience managing large budgets to address rising costs.
“"I've been to war. I've managed million-dollar budgets... The same establishment politicians continue offering the same failed solutions while Maryland families struggle with rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime."”
Veterans
Continues serving the military community as a Health Plans Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Health Plans.
“"Today, Ben continues serving the military community as a Health Plans Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Health Plans, helping military families navigate TRICARE Prime healthcare options through the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP)."”
“"Ben Hightower answered America's call for 20 years—now he's answering Maryland's call for change... Ben continues serving the military community as a Health Plans Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Health Plans"”
Source“"The same establishment politicians continue offering the same failed solutions while Maryland families struggle with rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime."”
Source“"The same establishment politicians continue offering the same failed solutions while Maryland families struggle with rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime."”
Source“"Ben's exceptional performance in high-stakes environments earned him rapid promotion... Today, Ben continues serving the military community as a Health Plans Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Health Plans"”
Source“"I've managed million-dollar budgets... Maryland families struggle with rising costs"”
Source