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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 6 · 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 raceSixth District Delegate Ric Metzgar served during the 449th session of the Maryland General Assembly in 2026, which he characterized as one of the most challenging sessions in decades due to a $1.4 billion budget deficit and new leadership structures. He emphasized fiscal responsibility, noting that while the House passed a capital budget bringing $24 million to Essex and Dundalk for community projects, he opposed the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act because it placed burdens on citizens already facing higher energy costs. Metzgar highlighted his legislative focus on reintroducing bills such as House Bill 194, an Inmates Apprenticeship Pilot Program designed to teach incarcerated individuals trades to improve their post-release employment prospects. He described the session as busy despite introducing only a few bills personally due to the high cost of research and writing legislation.
Fiscal Policy
Metzgar focused on managing the state's $1.4 billion budget deficit while securing funding for local projects and protecting citizens from energy cost burdens.
“"The focus was the $1.4 billion budget deficit... I voted for the Capital Budget which resulted in $24 Million coming to Essex and Dundalk for various community projects... I did not vote for the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA). I didn't think it was right to place the burden on the backs of the citizens who are already paying higher energy costs."”
Criminal Justice
Metzgar supported rehabilitation efforts by reintroducing a bill for an apprenticeship pilot program for incarcerated individuals.
“"I reintroduced the House Bill 194 Inmates Apprenticeship Pilot Program to teach incarcerated people a trade. When they have finished their sentence, they will learn valuable skills that will give them an opportunity to get a job once they are released from prison."”
Community Development
Metzgar advocated for state funds directed toward enhancing his district's community areas which he felt had been left out or forgotten.
“"For too long, our area has been left out or forgotten when it comes to State Funds to enhance our community."”
External coverage from the East County Times features a recap submitted by Metzgar himself regarding the conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session. The article describes the session as busy and challenging, noting that over 1,500 bills were introduced in the House while Metzgar personally introduced only a few due to research costs. It details his specific voting record on the Capital Budget and BRFA, alongside his successful passage of two bills into the State Senate.
“"The focus was the $1.4 billion budget deficit... I voted for the Capital Budget which resulted in $24 Million coming to Essex and Dundalk"”
Source“"I reintroduced the House Bill 194 Inmates Apprenticeship Pilot Program to teach incarcerated people a trade."”
Source“"For too long, our area has been left out or forgotten when it comes to State Funds to enhance our community."”
Source