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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 23 · 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 raceMichael W. Riker is a retired law enforcement officer and resident of Prince George's County since 1968 who announced his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 23. He brings over two decades of experience with the Prince George's County Police Department, including roles as a narcotics detective and task force officer, alongside three years serving on the United States Capitol Police. Riker previously ran for the Prince George's County Council at-large seat in 2024, receiving nearly 41,000 votes despite not winning against Democratic incumbent Jolene Ivey. His platform centers on "People First, Not Politics," emphasizing a commitment to public safety, balanced budgets, and opposing new taxes or fees while advocating for parental rights in education curriculum transparency. He highlights his lifelong dedication to service, noting that even after retirement he continues to advocate for community needs and common sense governance over self-serving politics.
Sources: Campaign website
"Putting Service Above Self: Leading Prince George's County and the State of Maryland with COMMON SENSE into the Future."
"As a lifelong public servant, I am committed to listening to the voices of our community and working tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to you."
"...ensuring that our governments prioritize people over politics and COMMON SENSE and no new Taxes."
"We need representatives who will focus on reducing crime, managing property taxes responsibly, managing our schools correctly, and improving infrastructure and NO NEW TAXES or FEES ."
Source: riker4pg.com
Education
Advocates for parental rights regarding curriculum transparency and input into educational content taught in schools.
“"Implement a transparent curriculum review process that allows parents to have a say in the educational content taught in schools. This could include online access to curriculum materials, regular updates on changes, and public forums for discussion."”
Tax Policy
Opposes new taxes or fees, specifically listing numerous proposed Maryland tax increases including sales tax on data services and vehicle registration fees.
“"We need representatives who will focus on reducing crime... improving infrastructure and NO NEW TAXES or FEES ." ... "$497 Million in new sales taxes on B2B data and IT services $367 Million in capital gains tax increases"”
Public Safety
Prioritizes reducing crime rates, enhancing public safety infrastructure, and ensuring government prioritizes people over politics.
“"My passion for community service drives me to advocate for our children's future, enhance our public schools, and create a safe, thriving community for all residents."”
Infrastructure
Addresses aging school facilities, road potholes, inadequate public transportation, and infrastructure improvements.
“"Roads are riddled with potholes, public transportation is inadequate, and essential community services are stretched thin. The focus on new developments... has overshadowed the basic needs of the county's residents."”
According to Maryland Matters, Michael Riker ran as the Republican nominee for Prince George's County Council at-large in 2024 but lost to Democrat Jolene Ivey. During his campaign stops, Riker told attendees that "There's just a lot of corruption," and emphasized that "nobody's listening to what the people have to say." The article notes he joined the U.S. Capitol Police in 1984 and served until 2010 before retiring, though he also mentioned having heart troubles and escaping early death twice.
“"Implement a transparent curriculum review process that allows parents to have a say in the educational content taught in schools."”
Source“"ensuring that our governments prioritize people over politics and COMMON SENSE and no new Taxes."”
Source“"My commitment to public safety led me to complete basic firefighter training at the University of Maryland Fire Rescue Institute in College Park."”
Source“"Roads are riddled with potholes, public transportation is inadequate... The focus on new developments and attracting external investments has overshadowed the basic needs of the county's residents."”
Source