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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 36 · 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 raceSteve Arentz is a Stevensville, Queen Anne's County resident and current member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 36, seeking re-election in 2026. Born in Hollywood, California, he attended Allegheny Community College, Control Data Institute in Pittsburgh, and Newbury Junior College in Brookline, Massachusetts. He owned and operated Hemingway's Restaurant and Lola's Sunset Grill in Stevensville from 1996 to 2010 and has worked as a Realtor with Long & Foster since 2003. He served as Queen Anne's County Commissioner from 2010 to 2013 and as Chair of the Queen Anne's County Economic Development Commission and Chamber of Commerce, before being appointed to the House of Delegates in November 2013 to fill the vacancy left by Stephen Hershey's appointment to the State Senate. He has been re-elected to the seat multiple times since, most recently in 2022. He currently serves on the Economic Matters Committee and has been an active advocate for Eastern Shore economic development, small businesses, and agricultural interests. He is running in the June 23, 2026 Republican primary alongside incumbents Jeff Ghrist and Jay Jacobs.
Seniors
Participated in senior advocacy forums to discuss issues of importance to older adults and listen to concerns raised by seniors
“Eight Kent and Queen Anne's County representatives spent March 20 in Annapolis meeting with officials to discuss issues of importance to seniors. Del. Steve Arentz and Del. Jay Jacobs sat down with the group and listened to concerns of older adults.”
Healthcare
Addressed prescription drug affordability as a topic relevant to senior constituents during advocacy forums
“Speakers included legislators and other leaders addressing topics such as prescription drug affordability, tax reform, and the challenges of caregiving.”
Tax Policy
Discussed tax reform as a topic relevant to senior advocacy forums in Queen Anne's County
“Speakers included legislators and other leaders addressing topics such as prescription drug affordability, tax reform, and the challenges of caregiving.”
External coverage from QAC.org documents Del. Steven Arentz's participation in a state-wide senior advocacy event organized by United Seniors of Maryland where he listened to concerns of older adults alongside other legislators and leaders. The Yahoo/Baltimore Sun article notes that Eastern Shore legislative races including his district faced late candidate filings that created new competitive matchups for the 2026 election cycle.
“Eight Kent and Queen Anne's County representatives spent March 20 in Annapolis meeting with officials to discuss issues of importance to seniors. Del. Steve Arentz and Del. Jay Jacobs sat down with the group and listened to concerns of older adults.”
Source“Speakers included legislators and other leaders addressing topics such as prescription drug affordability, tax reform, and the challenges of caregiving.”
Source“Speakers included legislators and other leaders addressing topics such as prescription drug affordability, tax reform, and the challenges of caregiving.”
Source