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State Senator · Legislative District 5 · 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 raceGary Foote is a Democrat from Westminster, Maryland, who retired after teaching physics and chemistry at South Carroll High School for 34 years in 2025. He is running against Republican incumbent Justin Ready for the District 5 state Senate seat in Carroll County. Foote joined the race as a member of the Democratic Central Committee in Carroll County, noting that Democrats did not field a candidate in the district during the 2022 race and stating he believes every seat should be contested. His campaign focuses on education reform, public health, public safety, and affordability for residents. He advocates for an evaluation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future regarding state education results. Additionally, Foote emphasizes creating walkable communities and local food sources to improve public health and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Education
He is calling for an evaluation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, stating that while it was an honest attempt to improve education, the state has not been getting the results it needs.
“"The Blueprint was an honest attempt to do that, but the state has not been getting the results it needs," he said.”
Healthcare
Foote believes creating walkable communities and local food sources can help lengthen people's lives and give them a sense of purpose and belonging.
“"For public health, Foote believes creating walkable communities and local food sources can help lenghten people's lives and give them a sense of purpose and belonging."”
Environment
He attributes rising costs for food and energy to the country's failure to move on from fossil fuels when it knew it had to 50 years ago.
“"Meanwhile, the cost of food and energy is going up... in part because of the country's failure to move on from fossil fuels when it knew it had to 50 years ago."”
External news reports identify Foote as a retired science teacher challenging incumbent Justin Ready for the District 5 state Senate seat. He is described as a Democrat who believes every seat should be contested after Democrats did not field a candidate in the district during the 2022 race. Coverage highlights his background teaching physics and chemistry at South Carroll High School before retiring in 2025.
“"He's calling for an evaluation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a plan to improve education in the state."”
Source“"For public health, Foote believes creating walkable communities and local food sources can help lenghten people's lives and give them a sense of purpose and belonging."”
Source“"Meanwhile, the cost of food and energy is going up... in part because of the country's failure to move on from fossil fuels when it knew it had to 50 years ago."”
Source