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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 29C · 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 raceShaara Watts is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 29C, representing parts of Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. A long-time Southern Maryland resident and community advocate, she has over 20 years of experience in the legal field, specifically environmental law, and currently works as a consultant and property manager for her family’s business. Her platform centers on sustainable development, with a particular focus on protecting local aquifers and natural resources like wetlands and forests. Watts strongly opposes the construction of data centers in Maryland, citing concerns over job loss to AI and excessive resource consumption. She advocates for transitioning to renewable energy, lowering utility costs, and supporting local entrepreneurs over large-scale industrial projects.
Sources: Campaign website
“There is nothing good about data centers. AI will cut huge swathes of the job market, all the way up to doctors in its ability to take over routine tasks. No job on a computer is safe.”
“Our aquifers are being depleted at the rate of 2 feet a year. Support sustainable development. We are dependent on individual wells and septic systems, so we need to discard our current growth model and recognize that we cannot continue to absorb unlimited building, population growth and industry.”
“Maryland has the highest utility costs in the country due to much higher demand and decreased supply... I support [power grid modernization] bills and will work toward transitioning from fossil to renewable sources.”
“The beauty and fragility of Southern Maryland is why she lives here. Now she wants to help protect it -- our people, our water, our wetlands, our forests and our farms.”
Source: shaarawattsforsomd.com
Water Conservation
Advocates for halting unlimited growth to protect aquifers that are depleting at a rate of two feet per year.
“Any growth must be governed by water use. The USGS estimates that by 2030 our aquifers water levels will be critically low.”
Data Centers
Calls for a moratorium on new data center construction and the repeal of zoning exceptions that favor them.
“I will sponsor legislation halting the construction of new data centers and work to repeal any industrial zoning that favors their construction.”
Economic Development
Focuses on supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs rather than bringing in large industry.
“Instead of bringing in industry with the failed promise of good jobs, we need to cut red tape and support local entrepreneurs.”
Energy & Utilities
Supports transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to combat high utility costs.
“Support the transition to renewable sources of energy to reduce utilities' burden on our community.”
Shaara Watts, a resident of Lusby, has filed as a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates seat representing Calvert and St. Mary's counties. The external coverage notes her entry into the race for District 29C.
“She has been active in environmental issues in Southern Maryland for years... Now she wants to help protect it -- our people, our water, our wetlands, our forests and our farms.”
Source“Sustainable development should be our goal... I will... work to repeal any industrial zoning that favors [data center] construction.”
Source“Sustainable development means helping local businesses be the successful employers we need. Cut red tape, support entrepreneurs.”
Source“The Maryland General Assembly has proposed two bills seeking direct rebates to families and power grid modernization. I support these bills.”
Source“Shaara’s record includes assisting seniors with healthcare and transportation.”
Source“Shaara will fight for... affordable housing... Her experience with Heron Point has enabled her to understand the property rental business from both sides (landlord and tenant).”
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