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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 35B · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Members of the Maryland House of Delegates represent their local districts in the state legislature by proposing, debating, and voting on laws that impact public education, healthcare, and transportation. They work alongside the state Senate to pass Maryland’s annual budget and determine how tax dollars are allocated to community services and infrastructure projects. This office is vital because delegates shape the statewide policies and spending priorities that directly influence the daily lives of all residents.
View all candidates in this raceDerek J. Howell is a Republican candidate for Maryland House of Delegates District 35B (Cecil County) who describes himself as a Constitutional Conservative Republican. He is a retired decorated police officer with over 20 years of law enforcement service including time as a Maryland State Trooper in Cecil County, an attorney who has litigated cases throughout Maryland fighting for constitutional rights and liberties, and a former college instructor who taught at a Maryland university, college, and seminary. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees with honors from Johns Hopkins University, J.D. cum laude from University of Baltimore School of Law, and two certificates from Harvard University. Howell is happily married to his wife Jenna; they have four children named Hudson, James, Josiah, and Ridgely.
Sources: Campaign website
It's not about me, but we , we the people.
Instead of bringing more burdens on the citizens of Maryland, Derek will go to Annapolis and fight to UNDO problems plaguing us - such as crazy vehicle registration fees, nonsensical spending, and biased legislation.
As your Delegate, Derek will fight for us and our families in Annapolis because it has never been more clear that the General Assembly desperately needs to be reminded that it serves the State of Maryland and her people, not the other way around.
Derek is a Statesman - Not a Politician
Source: voteforhowell.com
Fiscal Policy
Howell calls for reducing government spending and forcing Annapolis to live within its means, addressing root causes of state issues instead of applying billion-dollar band-aids. He advocates evaluating whether certain programs are appropriate roles for government.
“Maryland must cut out its spending addiction... force Annapolis to live within its means and address the root causes of the state's issues, instead of voting to apply a billion-dollar band-aid”
Energy
Howell wants to repeal failed energy mandates that ended deregulation in 2024, promote natural gas infrastructure development, and prioritize nuclear power over inadequate sources. He supports expanding power generation capacity while favoring deregulation to encourage competition.
“As your Delegate, Derek will fight to repeal these disastrous mandates, promote the development of natural gas infrastructure, and prioritize practical solutions like nuclear power”
Public Safety
Howell supports law enforcement officers who put their lives on line for safety. He wants to ensure fire fighters, EMS, and police are taken care of and have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
“As a retired police officer, Derek supports our men and women who protect us. Police officers put their lives on the line to make sure we are safe and well.”
Education
Howell advocates for increased local control of school systems, arguing counties are better positioned than Annapolis to make decisions reflecting community needs. He emphasizes value of career and technical education alongside traditional college pathways.
“On education, Howell advocated for increased local control of school systems, arguing that counties are better positioned than Annapolis to make decisions that reflect community needs”
Land Use
Howell wants to protect Cecil County's farmland, natural resources, landscapes, and waterways. He opposes progressive land seizures from Annapolis.
“Cecil County is rich with its farmland, natural resources, landscapes, and waterways. Derek wants to protect our farmers, fishermen, and hunters, and ensure that Annapolis doesn't bully Cecil Countians with progressive land seizures.”
In an April 13 Cecil TV interview, Republican primary candidate Derek Howell outlined his background as a retired Maryland State Police trooper, attorney, and former college instructor. He emphasized his experience in law enforcement and constitutional law as foundations for his candidacy and entered the race out of concern that Maryland has become less business-friendly. Howell wants to help improve the state for future generations rather than leave it deteriorating.
“On education, Howell advocated for increased local control of school systems, arguing that counties are better positioned than Annapolis to make decisions that reflect community needs. He also emphasized the value of career and technical education alongside traditional college pathways.”
Source“As a retired police officer, Derek supports our men and women who protect us. Police officers put their lives on the line to make sure we are safe and well.”
Source“Maryland must cut out its spending addiction... force Annapolis to live within its means and address the root causes of the state's issues, instead of voting to apply a billion-dollar band-aid.”
Source“As your Delegate, Derek will fight to repeal these disastrous mandates, promote the development of natural gas infrastructure, and prioritize practical solutions like nuclear power over other sources that have proven inadequate to meet Maryland's needs.”
Source“Cecil County is rich with its farmland, natural resources, landscapes, and waterways. Derek wants to protect our farmers, fishermen, and hunters.”
Source“Derek wants to protect our farmers, fishermen, and hunters, and ensure that Annapolis doesn't bully Cecil Countians with progressive land seizures.”
Source