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State Senator · Legislative District 23 · 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 raceRaaheela Ahmed is a lifelong resident of Maryland's District 23 and a K-12 graduate of Prince George's County Public Schools who has dedicated her career to educational equity, civic engagement, and social justice. She previously served on the Prince George's County Board of Education from 2016 until early 2022, where she championed transparency and challenged inequities in graduation reporting before resigning to run for State Senator in District 23. Before entering elected office, Ahmed worked as a national nonprofit executive and democracy advocate, including roles at 100% Democracy and the Fair Elections Center supporting universal civic participation. Her campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, having knocked on over 12,000 doors and attended hundreds of community events to understand district needs. She positions herself as an unbought and unbossed leader who challenges stereotypes and elevates the voices of underserved communities, particularly young people, immigrants, and communities of color. Ahmed envisions a future where the community thrives with equitable schools, affordable healthcare, housing, a healthy environment, and a justice system that works for everyone.
Sources: Campaign website
Education
Championed transparency in graduation reporting, advocated for culturally responsive textbooks, excused absences for civic engagement, financial literacy graduation requirement, and student leadership opportunities.
“Raaheela was one of the few board members in 2017 that blew the whistle on fraudulent graduation rates in the county. Every year, she advocated for purchasing culturally responsive textbooks.”
Government Ethics
Focuses on governmental transparency and accountability, asking tough questions to hold systems accountable even when unpopular.
“Raaheela is always asking tough questions to hold our system accountable. She is a meticulous worker, and is steadfast in bringing issues to light, even if it is unpopular.”
Criminal Justice
Advocated for dismantling systemic oppression including removing armed police officers from schools.
“In 2020, Raaheela introduced a resolution to non-renew the district's agreement to have armed police officers based inside our schools.”
Fiscal Policy
Built a moral budget including funding for maintenance needs and LGBTQ+ staff training while advocating for paying employees well.
“Raaheela made several successful budget amendments over the years, including adding an additional $4.25 million for maintenance needs... She was one of the few board members that came out publicly advocating for restoring lost employee pay steps from the last recession.”
“Raaheela was one of the few board members in 2017 that blew the whistle on fraudulent graduation rates in the county.”
Source“Raaheela is always asking tough questions to hold our system accountable. She is a meticulous worker, and is steadfast in bringing issues to light, even if it is unpopular.”
Source“In 2020, Raaheela introduced a resolution to non-renew the district's agreement to have armed police officers based inside our schools.”
Source“We envision a future where our community thrivesâwith equitable schools, a strong democracy, affordable healthcare and housing...”
Source“Raaheela has attended or led over 500 community events to inform the community about the work of the school district, and to stay engaged in decision-making.”
Source