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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 42C · 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 Patten is a resident of Hampstead in Carroll County who has called the area home since 1998 and moved there specifically for its public school system. He owns and operates Beverage Journal, Inc., a local company based in Hampstead, with over three decades of business experience. A conservative activist since 2017, he first engaged in the Tea Party movement in 2010 and has worked closely with Maryland legislators in Annapolis through Convention of States Action and as Associate Regional Director for the Convention of States Foundation starting in 2021. He is raising four children who have all graduated from or are currently enrolled in the Carroll County Public School System, including two graduates of North Carroll High School. Patten describes himself as a dedicated member of his community with deep roots, and he is running for Maryland State Delegate in District 42C to defend family rights, protect Second Amendment freedoms, and ensure local autonomy from state interference.
Sources: Campaign website
"I've called Hampstead home since 1998. I moved to Carroll County because of the great public school system. My wife Shannon and I have raised four wonderful children … all of whom have graduated from, or are currently in, the Carroll County Public School System."
"Our community needs a Delegate who will defend the rights of families, protect our Second Amendment, and foster an environment that allows citizens and local businesses to thrive."
"I stand firmly against the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project and am committed to safeguarding our agricultural heritage and local autonomy."
"Parents, not the state, know what's best for their children. This includes supporting School Choice, protecting Homeschool Rights, and ensuring transparency in public school activities & curriculum."
Source: stevefordelegate.com
Parental Rights
Supports parents having final say in children's education without state interference; advocates for School Choice, homeschool rights, and transparency in public school curriculum.
“"Parents, not the state, know what's best for their children. This includes supporting School Choice, protecting Homeschool Rights, and ensuring transparency in public school activities & curriculum."”
Local Autonomy
Believes local governments should govern themselves without interference from higher levels of government; advocates for empowering local authorities to address unique community needs.
“"I stand firmly against the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project and am committed to safeguarding our agricultural heritage and local autonomy."”
Small Business
As owner of Beverage Journal, Inc., understands burdens of licensing requirements and regulations; will advocate for reducing regulations that stifle small business growth.
“"He will advocate for reducing regulations that stifle small business growth and work to create an environment that is attractive to outside resources, bringing more opportunities to the citizens."”
Second Amendment
Staunch defender of Second Amendment right to protect families and homes; opposes any measures restricting constitutional right to bear arms.
“"Steve is a staunch defender of our Second Amendment right to protect our families and our homes. We must defend this right against any attempts at restriction and ensure that our constitutional freedoms remain intact."”
Pro-Life
Believes human life is sacred from the moment of conception until natural death.
“"Human life is sacred from the moment of conception until natural death."”
“"I moved to Carroll County because of the great public school system. My wife Shannon and I have raised four wonderful children … all of whom have graduated from, or are currently in, the Carroll County Public School System."”
Source“"Steve truly stands for the values that matter to our community: limited government, lower taxes, and ensuring local government—not bureaucrats in Annapolis or out-of-state corporations—make the important decisions that shape our future."”
Source“"Steve is a strong supporter of law enforcement and understands that real public safety starts with local leadership and accountability."”
Source“"As owner of a regional trade magazine in Hampstead, Steve understands firsthand the burdens of Maryland's licensing requirements and regulations on local businesses."”
Source“"Steve truly stands for the values that matter to our community: limited government, lower taxes, and ensuring local government—not bureaucrats in Annapolis or out-of-state corporations—make the important decisions that shape our future."”
Source