Meet our Candidates and Affiliates
We ask that all prospective elected officials start by reviewing our Candidate Pledge. We use these pledges to clearly outline our values and expectations for conduct, and these are ultimately tools to individually hold ourselves and the organization accountable. The Board of Directors for the Maryland Forward Party will then interview candidates and discuss their background, motivation for running, policy objectives, values, campaign strategy, and viability. After the interview, the Board of Directors vote on whether to add the candidate to this page.
Six months prior to the primary election date (or the general election for non-partisan races), the leadership of Maryland Forward, including non-board members, review and evaluate the Shortlist of candidates, and additional relevant context for each election. From this evaluation, the Board ultimately votes on whether or not to offer formal endorsements.
Maryland Forward Party is currently meeting with 2025 local officials and candidates and will be endorsing those who are able to commit to our Candidate Pledge and whom our Board believes align with our Core Values and Mission.
Endorsed Candidates
We are excited to endorse the following list of exemplary candidates for exclusive support. They have committed to our Candidate Pledge and align with our Core Values and Mission.
We encourage our members to not only vote for these candidates, but to also click on the links in their cards below, visit their websites, learn more about their campaigns, donate if you feel it is appropriate, and volunteer to support their campaigns if you can.
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Jenn
Alcorn
Running for
Councilperson
Frederick County Council, District 1
Jun 23, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I’m running for County Council to find real solutions for our community. Forward's emphasis on bottom-up problem-solving and working across party lines reflects how I believe government should be collaborative, practical, and focused on results rather than party politics.
Learn more:
Imara
Crooms
Running for
Councilperson
Prince George's County Council, District 9
Jun 23, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I’m running to repair trust in local democracy through transparent, bottom-up governance. After a decade of democracy work overseas, I’ve seen how money in politics and opaque decision-making undermine public confidence both abroad and at home.
Learn more:
Dianté
Edwards
Running for
Maryland State Delegate
District 40
Jun 23, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I am working in partnership with the Maryland Forward Party to directly address the issues that matter to West Baltimore because that is what truly matters, not any one party's platform.
Learn more:
Michelle
García
Running for
Councilperson
Prince George's County Council, District 1
Jun 23, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I’m running because elections and government should be people-powered, transparent, and
focused on results. I’m partnering with the Forward Party because they value collaboration and
effective local governance over polarization
Learn more:
Josh
Hastings
Running for
Maryland State Delegate
District 38B
Jun 23, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
Now more than ever, people don’t just want to believe in government and to believe in democracy; they want to see it in action. I sought the Forward Party endorsement because I believe in seeking truth, finding common ground, and to offering real solutions to shared challenges.
Learn more:
Forward Shortlist: Who to Watch
Maryland Forward per policy does not endorse any candidates until six months before an election (excepting previously endorsed elected officials). We have, however, already interviewed, vetted, evaluated, and selected candidates for this list. These candidates have signed our Candidate Pledge and support our values. We encourage you to click the links on their cards below, visit their campaign websites, and find out more about the candidates in your area.
Kevin
Ford Jr.
Candidate for
Maryland State Senator
District 24
Jun 23, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I appreciate the Forward Party’s commitment to bridging divides and putting people over politics. Their focus on pragmatic, community-driven solutions aligns with my belief that government should be responsive, inclusive, and future-focused.
Learn more here:
Rob
Daniels
Candidate for
County Executive
Baltimore County
Nov 3, 2026
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
The Forward Party’s mission speaks directly to me. Party platforms do not meet the needs of diverse communities. Voters deserve leaders, not political puppets. Leadership means knowing how to listen and get things done, and our best solutions come from the middle, not the extremes.
Learn more here: