State Comptroller Race
Democratic incumbent Peter Franchot won the state comptroller race against Republican opponent William Campbell. As of 1 a.m. Franchot took 62.33 percent of the votes, while Campbell received 37.52 percent, with less than 1 percent of the votes being write-ins.
Franchot wrote in an email that he will continue to advocate fiscal responsibility with a purpose by fighting against wasteful spending. He will ensure tax fairness by going after tax cheats and providing world-class taxpayer service based on respect, responsiveness and results, he added.
“Serving as Maryland’s Comptroller has truly been the honor of a lifetime. I’m deeply humbled to have the opportunity to continue serving as your independent fiscal watchdog in Annapolis,” Franchot wrote. “With the campaign behind us, I look forward to bringing people from across the political spectrum together for an honest and open conversation about the fiscal and economic challenges and opportunities we face.”
State Attorney General (Frosh vs. Pritzker vs. Dymowski)
State Sen. Brian Frosh (D-Montgomery) will be this state’s attorney general. As of 1 a.m. Frosh pocketed 55.36 percent of the state’s votes, beating Republican opponent Jeffrey Pritzker (41.11 percent) and Leo Wayne Dymowski of the Libertarian Party (3.4 percent).
Though Frosh, 68, was the favorite entering Tuesday’s election, he said nothing was definite, especially after he came from behind in the primary election to beat Del. Jon Cardin (D-Baltimore County) and Del. Aisha Braveboy (D-Prince George’s), which he said was a favorite moment of his on the campaign trail.
“For a while, people didn’t think I was going to make it through the primary,” Frosh said. “[The campaign] is like running a two-year marathon; it’s gone extremely well.”
He continued to meet as many voters as possible on Tuesday, he said. But now with the win, Frosh is able to focus on his new job.
“I view the job of the attorney general as the people’s lawyer,” he said. “I will emphasize the same priorities that I’ve emphasized in the General Assembly. I’ll be working to keep people safe in their neighborhoods, protecting consumers and vulnerable citizens and protecting our environment.”
U.S. Representative
District 5 voters re-elected U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D) in Tuesday’s midterm race.
With 63.84 percent of the votes as of 1 a.m., Hoyer defeated his opponent, Republican Chris Chaffee, who received 35.91 percent. The fifth congressional district includes parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, as well as all of Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Hoyer has been a longtime Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. He currently serves as the minority whip — the second-highest position among Democratic representatives — and has spearheaded election and employment reforms such as the Help America Vote Act and the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act.
“For over thirty years, I have put Maryland families first and have worked across the aisle to address their top priorities,” Hoyer said in a statement. He noted that he hopes to continue his efforts in “supporting job creation, bolstering our federal facilities and military installations, and expanding middle class opportunities for more Marylanders.”
Also an alumnus of this university, Hoyer will begin his 18th term in the House in January. Hoyer is the longest-serving member of the House in state history, having served since 1981.
House of Delegates:
All Democratic delegates running for re-election in the state House of Delegates’ legislative District 21 will keep their seats for another term, according to Tuesday’s election results.
Dels. Ben Barnes, Barbara Frush and Joseline Peña-Melnyk were re-elected Tuesday for District 21, which includes part of Prince George’s County, from College Park to Laurel, and parts of western Anne Arundel County. The Democratic delegates won by a large margin — Barnes with 27.35 percent of the vote as of 1 a.m., Frush with 28.77 percent and Peña-Melnyk with 26.87 percent. The only opponent, Republican Katherine Butcher, received 16.56 percent. Voters could vote for as many as three candidates.
“I am grateful to serve the wonderful residents of District 21 and UMD students,” Peña-Melnyk wrote in an email. “A win today will allow me to continue doing what I love, and more importantly, to keep fighting to make sure all voices are heard.”
Frush, who serves on the Environmental Matters Committee, said her successful re-election will allow her to continue “to protect the environment the way I have in the past, continue to urge people not to smoke, make sure seniors are taken care of and just do what I can to make Maryland a better place.”
Prince George’s County Executive (Baker is running unopposed):
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III (D) will continue in his role after an uncontested election Tuesday, with write-ins getting 1.17 percent of votes as of 1 a.m.
Baker, 56, entered the county executive position in 2010 and since then has focused on revamping the county’s school system, reducing crime rates, improving certain neighborhoods, advocating to stimulate business through the Economic Development Incentive Fund and pushing to bring a new medical center to the county.
He plans to continue improving health care options and opportunities, public safety, public transportation, economic opportunities and green initiatives, according to his campaign website. Baker did not respond to The Diamondback’s request for comment.
Prince George’s County Council Race – District 3
Democratic candidate Dannielle Glaros won the Prince George’s County Council District 3 race after running unopposed, with write-in votes totaling less than 1 percent as of 1 a.m.
Glaros, who got her master’s degree from this university’s public policy school, said she’s excited to put her degree to work while representing the university community. Glaros said she plans to deliver market-rate housing and key amenities to both Route 1 and the College Park Metro Station.
“I am excited to serve on the County Council and to continue working on behalf of the residents of District 3,” Glaros said. “The county has made tremendous progress, but there is still work to do to bring development to our metro stations, ensure the Purple Line is built, bring jobs to the county and improve the quality of life of residents.”