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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 2B · 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 raceSean Flaherty is a first-term Hagerstown City Council member who announced his candidacy for Maryland House of Delegates District 2B on February 20, 2026, challenging incumbent delegate Matthew Schindler. Born in Washington DC and raised across Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina, he graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2008 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and History before joining the Army National Guard and working as a defense contractor for the US Air Force and Space Force through his company Integrated Data Systems. He moved back to Hagerstown in 2021 citing the beautiful mountains, low cost of living, and slower pace of life, where he now lives with his dog Zelda. Flaherty was appointed to the City's Planning Commission in 2023, ran for and won a seat on Hagerstown City Council in 2024, and is running for State Delegate because he believes lower taxes, public safety, and economic development are the cornerstone to a safe city and state.
Sources: Campaign website
Hagerstown needs new leadership in Annapolis. As a fellow Marylander I have serious concerns in the direction our state is headed, and like the rest of you I am tired of seeing our fees, utilities and taxes continue to rise.
We are at a crossroads Hagerstown with the direction of our state. We cannot afford to keep the same status quo politicians who vote for a Reparations Commission, vote to increase all our taxes and fees, vote to fund the failed blueprint of Maryland while also not prioritizing public safety and leaving Marylanders more vulnerable and less safe.
Sean believes Maryland state government needs to reduce its operating cost, look at alternatives to funding the blueprint for Maryland or repeal the Maryland blueprint altogether. As Maryland families struggle to make ends meet and have to live within their means, so should government.
Source: flahertyfordelegate.com
Budget
Sean believes Maryland state government needs to reduce its operating cost, look at alternatives to funding the blueprint for Maryland or repeal the Maryland blueprint altogether. As Maryland families struggle to make ends meet and have to live within their means, so should government.
“Maryland is projected to be in a $1.5 billion dollar deficit for FY27... The new budget proposed by Gov Moore does not address the lack of funding and structural issues but shuffles money from Maryland's investment funds to cover the deficit”
Public Safety
Sean strongly believes in public safety as key to keeping Hagerstown and all Marylanders safe. On city council Sean voted to increase police and fire pay, while also championing the anti-camping ordinance that has deterred homelessness.
“Sean will work with the Maryland federal delegation and state lawmakers to receive more local funding for Hagerstown Police and Fire. Sean backs the blue and wants local jurisdictions and the state to urgently address police shortages and give better incentives for recruitment and retention.”
Tax Policy
Sean believes strongly in keeping taxes low for all Marylanders, including businesses and residents. While on city council Sean voted against all property tax increases.
“Maryland's top income rate is 6.5%, with an additional 3.3% local income tax, with the property rate going as high as 2.45%. Sean supports repealing the infamous B2B tax that was passed in 2025 via Governor Wes Moore and the General Assembly.”
Utilities
Sean supports Maryland Republicans plan of cutting electricity bills by $40 a month and repealing the Climate Solutions Act of 2022 which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep state coal power plants open.
“Maryland has some of the worst climate mandates in the country, driving up utility cost. Maryland has the most expensive utilities in the country recorded. Households in Maryland pay a median of $546 monthly, and over $6,500 annually.”
Redistricting
Sean believes in fair redistricting and believes that the current map being proposed by Democrats will further disenfranchise millions of Marylanders voices from truly being represented in Congress.
“Sean agrees with Senate President Bill Fergurson that now is not the time to do new maps halfway through the 2030 census. Sean believes in a fair redistricting commission that listens to all sides and not just one-party rule.”
Tri-State Alert reports that Flaherty's campaign features the slogan 'Common Sense. Lower Taxes' and quotes him saying he is concerned about the direction Maryland is headed with rising fees, utilities and taxes. The article notes his background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and History from South Carolina, later work for elected officials in Washington DC, and current work as a defense contractor for the US Air Force and Space Force through Integrated Data Systems.
“Sean strongly believes in public safety as key to keeping Hagerstown and all Marylanders safe. On city council Sean voted to increase police and fire pay, while also championing the anti-camping ordinance that has deterred homelessness.”
Source“Sean believes Maryland state government needs to reduce its operating cost, look at alternatives to funding the blueprint for Maryland or repeal the Maryland blueprint altogether. As Maryland families struggle to make ends meet and have to live within their means, so should government.”
Source“Sean believes strongly in keeping taxes low for all Marylanders, including businesses and residents. While on city council Sean voted against all property tax increases.”
Source“Maryland thrives at our best when taxes are low, attracting economic investment. Sean supports a plan to make Maryland less reliant on federal dollars, attract different private sector jobs, and support lower taxes, fees.”
Source“Sean supports Maryland Republicans plan of cutting electricity bills by $40 a month and repealing the Climate Solutions Act of 2022 which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep state coal power plants open.”
Source