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State Senator · Legislative District 36 · 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 raceSteve Hershey serves as a Republican Senator from Maryland's Upper Shore district and Senate Minority Leader since October 2014. He describes his tenure as bringing steady, balanced leadership to Annapolis by listening to constituents and focusing on results rather than rhetoric. While he initially explored a run for Governor in September 2026, external reporting confirms he opted to seek re-election to the Senate instead of joining an already crowded gubernatorial field. His campaign emphasizes restoring balance in state government, protecting taxpayers, strengthening public safety, and ensuring affordable living costs for families across all regions from the Eastern Shore to urban neighborhoods.
Sources: Campaign website
"steady, balanced leadership to Annapolis, listening to Marylanders, asking tough questions, and focusing on results instead of rhetoric."
"every tax dollar deserves respect... fighting wasteful spending, demanding transparency, and pushing for responsible, balanced budgets that reflect Maryland's real priorities."
"Maryland needs a Governor who can work with anyone — Republicans, Democrats, and independents — to deliver real solutions."
"putting people over politics and focuses on what actually works."
"families can thrive, businesses can grow, and government earns back the public's trust."
Source: stevehershey.com
Fiscal Responsibility
Senator Hershey believes every tax dollar deserves respect and has a proven record of fighting wasteful spending, demanding transparency, and pushing for responsible budgets that reflect Maryland's real priorities.
“"every tax dollar deserves respect. He has a proven record of fighting wasteful spending, demanding transparency, and pushing for responsible, balanced budgets that reflect Maryland's real priorities."”
Public Safety
Every Maryland family should feel safe at home, at school, and in their neighborhood through support for law enforcement, first responders, and community-based solutions.
“"supports law enforcement, first responders, and community-based solutions that reduce crime and strengthen public safety."”
Economic Development
From small businesses to family farms and growing industries, Marylanders deserve a fair shot to succeed through pro-growth policies that reduce red tape and attract jobs.
“"supports pro-growth policies that reduce red tape, attract jobs, and expand opportunity in every region of the state."”
Affordability
Senator Hershey is committed to making Maryland more affordable, from taxes and utilities to groceries and housing, prioritizing policies that protect family budgets.
“"committed to making Maryland more affordable, from taxes and utilities to groceries and housing. He'll prioritize policies that protect family budgets, support strong schools, and expand opportunity for the next generation."”
Maryland Matters reports that Hershey ended his exploration of a gubernatorial bid to refile for his Senate seat after initially forming an exploratory committee in September. He had previously criticized Ed Hale, who switched parties to run as a Republican governor candidate, calling him a political opportunist before deciding against the gubernatorial race himself. The article notes he did not have the same exposure outside his rural district that a run for governor would require compared to former Governor Larry Hogan.
“"strengthening schools... expand opportunity for the next generation"”
Source“"making Maryland more affordable, from taxes and utilities to groceries and housing"”
Source“"supports law enforcement, first responders, and community-based solutions that reduce crime"”
Source“"every tax dollar deserves respect... fighting wasteful spending, demanding transparency"”
Source“"supports pro-growth policies that reduce red tape, attract jobs, and expand opportunity in every region of the state"”
Source“"improving infrastructure... As Senate Minority Leader, he'll bring that same discipline to strengthening schools, improving infrastructure"”
Source