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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 raceDr. Ron Watson, born and raised in Prince George's County, currently serves as State Senator for the 23rd Legislative District in the Maryland General Assembly. He was appointed to the Senate on August 27, 2021 by Governor Larry Hogan to fill a vacancy created by Douglas Peters, who resigned July 31, 2021, and was re-elected on November 8, 2022. Watson serves as Vice Chairman of the Prince George's Senate Delegation and sits on the Education, Energy and Environment Committee, plus the Joint Committee on Cyber, Biotech and Information Technology. Prior to his state service, he served in the Maryland House of Delegates (elected 2018) where he sat on the Judiciary Committee, and before that was elected to the Prince George's County Board of Education as Vice-Chairman from 2007-2010. He has a distinguished military career spanning 14 years as an Army Signal Officer who served on active duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, and currently serves as President of Watson Management Corporation (WMC), providing consulting support to the Department of Defense for over 30 years.
Sources: Campaign website
"I continue to remain humbled by the opportunity to serve the residents of the 23rd District."
"Our unique and diverse district continues to remain strong and vibrant and attract residents from all over the state."
"Delivering Results for Our Community"
"I am also proud that we have Maryland's oldest HBCU, Bowie State University in our district."
Source: ronformaryland.com
Public Safety
Sponsored legislation on organized retail theft crackdown and vehicle towing enforcement for secured parties with electronic notification requirements.
“"Maryland Cracksdown on Retail Theft with New Bill" - WUSA9 (4/14/25)”
Housing
Introduced Real Property legislation addressing squatters and wrongful detainer issues to protect property rights.
“"SB0046 - Real Property - Squatters- Wrongful Detainer"”
Education
Sponsored bills for blind and visually impaired students textbook equity, higher education scholarships for surviving spouses of service members, and student support programs.
“"SB0564 - Real Estate Brokers - Licensing" and "Providing Support our College Students: To date I have awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to students attending a Maryland College, University, or Trade School."”
Healthcare
Introduced Public Health legislation addressing Sickle Cell Disease and established Automated External Defibrillator Program for public libraries.
“"SB0859 - Public Health - Sickle Cell Disease" and "SB0369 - Public Libraries - Automated External Defibrillator Program (Raymono A. Russell Act)"”
Fiscal Policy
Sponsored legislation on local government development impact fees, surcharges, excise taxes reporting, and public utilities net energy metering.
“"SB0814 - Local Government - Development Impact Fees, Surcharges, and Excise Taxes - Reporting"”
Community Development
Awarded over $15 million in funding to district organizations including Bowie Center for Performing Arts, Thurgood Marshall Library renovation, Boys and Girls Club Sports Park, and various community facilities.
“"Bringing Funding Back to the District - OVER $15 Millon AWARDED to Date!"”
Veterans
Sponsored Higher Education scholarship program specifically for surviving spouses of service members and maintains strong veteran connections through American Legion membership.
“"SB0418 - Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund" and "Higher Education - Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program - Surviving Spouses of Service Members"”
“"SB0564 - Real Estate Brokers - Licensing" and "Providing Support our College Students: To date I have awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to students attending a Maryland College, University, or Trade School."”
Source“"SB0046 - Real Property - Squatters- Wrongful Detainer"”
Source“"Maryland Cracksdown on Retail Theft with New Bill" - WUSA9 (4/14/25)”
Source“"SB0814 - Local Government - Development Impact Fees, Surcharges, and Excise Taxes - Reporting"”
Source“"Bringing Funding Back to the District - OVER $15 Millon AWARDED to Date!"”
Source