Black community has their say in 2026 midterm primary elections

By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO

The African-American community was among the biggest winners in Maryland’s primary election on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. State Delegate Adrian Boafo advanced in the race to succeed longtime Congressman Steny Hoyer in the 5^th District, positioning Maryland to potentially add another African American member to its congressional delegation. If elected in November, Boafo would join Congressmen Kweisi Mfume of the 7^th District and Glenn Ivey of the 4^th District.

African-American candidates also secured nominations for several key county executive posts in heavily Democratic counties:

Will Jawando became the first Black nominee for Montgomery County Executive.

Vanessa Atterbeary became the first African-American woman nominated for Howard County Executive.

Julian Jones became the first African-American nominee for Baltimore County Executive.

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy won her nomination comfortably, strengthening her bid to retain the seat.

Baltimore made history when Sabrina Tapp-Harper defeated Democrat Sam Cogen to become the first African-American woman nominated for sheriff.

Other notable Baltimore races included the following:

In the 41^st District, Malcolm Ruff won decisively with nearly 60 percent of the vote, defeating Dalya Attar, who had been appointed to the State Senate seat in 2025. His victory adds another African-American senator to the Maryland General Assembly, while newly elected Delegate Ryan Turner will fill Ruff’s former seat.

Two Baltimore state senators—Antonio Hayes of the 40^th District and Cory McCray of the 45^th District—used their influence to challenge two delegates’ reelection bids, helping Tiffany Welch replace 40^th District Delegate Frank Conway and Chanel Branch replace 45^th District Delegate Stephanie Smith.

Baltimoreans can also view the reelection of State Senator Bill Ferguson, president of the Maryland Senate, as a victory. Although Ferguson opposed the Governor’s redistricting plan, which aligns with the national Democratic Party’s agenda, he has remained a strong ally and advocate for Baltimore City. Colleagues in both parties regard him as a fair and principled Senate leader. Many Marylanders hope the vacant chairmanship of the powerful Finance Committee will go to its current vice chair, State Senator Antonio Hayes of the 40^th District.

All candidates, whether opposed or unopposed, will appear on the ballot for Maryland’s general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

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