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U.S. Representative · Congressional District 5 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
A U.S. Representative serves as your district's voice in Congress, where they vote on federal laws, national budgets, and policies that impact daily life. They are responsible for securing federal funding for local infrastructure and helping residents resolve issues with federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This office matters because it ensures your community’s specific needs and priorities are represented in the national government.
View all candidates in this raceMichelle Talkington is a small business owner in the construction industry and a first-generation college graduate seeking to represent Maryland in the U.S. House of Representatives. Raised in an interracial family in California and Utah, she moved to Maryland 24 years ago after pursuing her education at the University of Maryland, College Park. Talkington describes herself as a Christian, a former youth minister, and an advocate for homeschooling who operates a local Homeschooling Center. Her professional background includes serving as an HOA President and a director for local theaters, as well as overseeing renovation projects for women's shelters. Her platform focuses on economic reform, strict crime enforcement, and parent-led education, emphasizing a commitment to "rebuilding Maryland, one brick at a time."
Sources: Campaign website
I met my husband Rob at the young age of 22 and we've been together ever since. I often joke that I "Married Maryland," because I started my journey on the West Coast.
I was given a choice at the time, and I Chose Life! I continued my education and served as Senior Class Vice President while pregnant. Choosing Life would be the catalyst to many successes.
It's time to reform and change the system at the heart of American decline. We need to make sure that the economic prosperity is at the center of our policy, this is Michelle's platform to put America on the rise once again.
Instead of letting Criminals off with a small fine for violent crime, it's time to punish them and ensure communities are kept safe. Repeat offenders shouldn't have their sentences lightened. They should face stiffer consequences for their crimes.
Source: talkington4congress.com
The Economy
Talkington advocates for lowering taxes on small businesses and the middle class while reducing government spending to end inflation.
“Michelle Will Help Improve the Economy By: Lowering taxes on small businesses and the middle class, putting money back in the pockets of hard working-Americans. Government shouldn't outspend the economy, it's time to review and consolidate programs and reduce overall spending.”
Education
She supports increasing school choice, repealing Common Core, and returning control of curriculum from unions and bureaucrats to parents.
“It is time to return the power to the parents, unions should have never had control over students' curriculums. Michelle is dedicated to rebuilding the institutions to build America's future. That means more funding for school choice initiatives, less control from the Department of Education.”
Crime
She proposes a strict enforcement of laws, including mandatory minimums and stiffer consequences for repeat offenders and violent crimes.
“Michelle will fix this, reinstating mandatory minimums on criminal behavior and crimes. ... While some prosecutors are minimizing the actions of criminals, congress must enforce stricter protocols for prosecutorial conduct.”
Housing
To address high costs, she supports the construction of workforce housing.
“Housing across America is too expensive, its time we build work-force housing to reinvigorate America's suffocating economy.”
“We need to make sure that the economic prosperity is at the center of our policy, this is Michelle's platform to put America on the rise once again.”
Source“Lowering taxes on small businesses and the middle class, putting money back in the pockets of hard working-Americans.”
Source“ending inflation is simple and Michelle will do just that by lowering spending.”
Source“Reforming No Child Left Behind and repealing Common Core Standards. Ending and preventing bureaucrats from writing education curriculum, while putting the power back in the hands of the parents and teachers.”
Source“Michelle will fix this, reinstating mandatory minimums on criminal behavior and crimes.”
Source“instead of letting prosecutors drop charges for violent crimes, it's time we enforce every crime to the fullest extent of the law. People should not feel unsafe walking in their neighborhood.”
Source“Housing across America is too expensive, its time we build work-force housing to reinvigorate America's suffocating economy.”
Source“Lowering taxes on small businesses and the middle class”
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