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State Senator · Legislative District 3 · 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 raceKaren Lewis Young is a Maryland Democrat currently serving as District 3 State Senator, elected in 2022 and running for re-election. She has lived in Frederick County for 28 years and previously served two terms in the House of Delegates (elected 2014) and as City of Frederick Alderwoman from 2009-2013. A granddaughter of an immigrant refugee, she holds degrees from Franklin Marshall College, Columbia University, and worked three decades in banking and financial services before entering public service. Her legislative priorities include reducing medical costs, providing affordable housing, increasing public transit options, advocating for a livable wage, expanding pre-K education, and addressing behavioral health care issues.
Sources: Campaign website
Frederick is my home. And I've been proud to call this great city my home for 26 years.
I believe our politics can be better. When we put people above special interests, when we listen to the community and work for them, we can and will see change.
As the granddaughter of an immigrant refugee, I have a deep respect for liberty, justice, and opportunity.
While volunteering for over 18 community service organizations, it has been fulfilling to help others who don't always have a voice of their own.
Source: lewisyoungforsenate.com
Healthcare
Reducing medical costs, addressing healthcare affordability crisis, supporting single-payer option consideration, permitting Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with makers
“I have spent the past 7.5 years focused on addressing this issue. Maryland's unique healthcare reimbursement model sets annual caps for hospital services resulting in reduced costs.”
Housing
Providing more affordable housing to address ALICE households struggling with basic necessities including housing, food, transportation, childcare, taxes, and medical expenses
“In Frederick County 37% of households struggle to afford their basic household necessities. These households, also known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) are challenged to afford housing, food, transportation, childcare, taxes, and medical expenses.”
Education
Fully funding K-12 education, expanding pre-K education options
“As your Senator, I put Frederick first by fully funding K-12 education... increasing our public transit options, advocating for a livable wage, expanding pre-K education”
Public Safety
Addressing mental illness as a pressing public safety issue complicated by poverty and substance abuse, improving re-entry preparation after incarceration
“Mental illness is a pressing public safety issue, which is complicated by poverty and substance abuse. When people become involved in the criminal justice system, we must better prepare them to re-enter our community following incarceration.”
Government Ethics
Supporting House Bill 1343 to improve pay-to-play laws requiring major state contractors to report contributions they make to advocacy organizations campaigning in favor of major state projects, addressing astroturfing practices
“House Bill 1343 improves existing pay-to-play laws requiring major state contractors to report to the State Board of Elections contributions they make to advocacy organizations campaigning in favor of a major state project that the contractor has a financial interest in.”
Environment
Supporting Climate Solutions Now Act, addressing greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and nutrient runoff from farmland affecting Chesapeake Bay
“The Climate Solutions Now Act strengthens Maryland's commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change by setting realistic goals to reduce greenhouse gases and meet net-zero statewide emissions goals by 2045.”
According to The Frederick News-Post (April 14, 2026), Karen Lewis Young is running for her second term as District 3 state senator with a focus on bringing state dollars back to Frederick County. She has secured $1 million in funding for Frederick Health Hospital, $1.5 million for the Animal Control shelter, nearly $500,000 for the Youth Center, and $400,000 for a home-nursing program for newborns and mothers. Young stated she feels her experience helps her represent her community well and bring financial support from Annapolis.
“As your Senator, I put Frederick first by fully funding K-12 education... expanding pre-K education”
Source“In Frederick County 37% of households struggle to afford their basic household necessities. These households, also known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) are challenged to afford housing...”
Source“Mental illness is a pressing public safety issue, which is complicated by poverty and substance abuse. When people become involved in the criminal justice system, we must better prepare them to re-enter our community following incarceration.”
Source“The Climate Solutions Now Act strengthens Maryland's commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change by setting realistic goals to reduce greenhouse gases and meet net-zero statewide emissions goals by 2045.”
Source“I have spent the past 7.5 years focused on addressing this issue. Maryland's unique healthcare reimbursement model sets annual caps for hospital services resulting in reduced costs.”
Source“House Bill 1343 improves existing pay-to-play laws requiring major state contractors to report to the State Board of Elections contributions they make to advocacy organizations campaigning in favor of a major state project that the contractor has a financial interest in.”
Source