top of page

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 will be endorsing candidates who are able to commit to our Candidate Pledge and whom our Candidate Committee and Board believe 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.

Rebecca Baucom
Endorsed Candidate

Rebecca

Baucom

Running for

Anne Arundel County Council

District 3

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I am running to solve problems, strengthen our schools, and put residents ahead of special interests. Everyone should have a voice in our democracy, and the Forward Party’s focus on collaboration and transparency is how I believe government should work.

Heidi Schmidt
Endorsed Candidate

Heidi

Schmidt

Running for

House of Delegates

District 31

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I'm running to serve my community - as a mom, business owner, and community leader, I am constantly seeking ways to serve and improve our community. I believe government can be a force for good in our lives, and I've experienced it firsthand over time. I sought the Forward Party endorsement because our values aligned - people over partisanship, problem-solving, and committed to upholding our democratic values and serving our communities.

Jeremy Amason
Endorsed Candidate

Jeremy

Amason

Running for

House of Delegates

District 46

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I firmly believe that we need fresh leadership that is willing to work selflessly to implement improvements on how we choose our leaders and are willing to bring people together to solve problems. I aligned with the Maryland Forward Party because I believe we have a common desire to return the power to the people.

Rob Daniels
Endorsed Candidate

Rob

Daniels

Running for

County Executive

Baltimore County

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I'm running because Baltimore County deserves more than a choice between competing political machines. I sought the Forward Party's endorsement because voters deserve real competition, independent leadership, and a government that puts results ahead of party loyalty.

Anthony Lyon
Endorsed Candidate

Anthony

Lyon

Running for

Maryland House of Delegates

District 34B

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

The two-party system has driven us apart by harping on our differences and divisive national issues, whereas my campaign -- and the Forward Party -- are about emphasizing our common values and shared local issues.

Christa Tichy
Endorsed Candidate

Christa

Tichy

Running for

Maryland House of Delegates

District 19

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I am running for Delegate in District 19 to be a new, strong voice for working families. I sought the endorsement of the Forward Party because it firmly believes in innovation and entrepreneurship, respect and dignity, personal responsibility, and civil engagement.

Michelle García
Endorsed Candidate

Michelle

García

Running for

Prince George's County Council

District 1

transparent.png

Nov 3, 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

Tonya Sweat
Endorsed Candidate

Tonya

Sweat

Running for

County Executive

Prince George's County

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I affiliated with MDFWD because I want to see a return to civility in politics and believe open primaries plus ranked choice voting is one way to get us there. A struggle for power and control is not productive or reflective of democracy.

Ryan Daniels
Endorsed Candidate

Ryan

Daniels

Running for

St. Mary's County Commissioner

District 4

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

As a decorated Marine-Corps combat-wounded veteran, I'm running to deliver common-sense leadership focused on our community and informed by the people who live here. The Forward Party's commitment to problem-solving over partisanship reflects how I believe government should work.

Brandon Russell
Endorsed Candidate

Brandon

Russell

Running for

St. Mary's County Commissioner

District 2

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I’m running to bring the community’s voices back to the table. St. Mary’s County deserves leadership that is proactive, accountable, and transparent. I appreciate the Forward Party’s mission of better governance through community focused, bottom-up problem solving. Local issues affect us all, no matter our party affiliation, and we’ll solve them with community collaboration.

Josh Hastings
Endorsed Candidate

Josh

Hastings

Running for

Maryland State Delegate

District 38B

transparent.png

Nov 3, 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.

Megan Outten
Endorsed Candidate

Megan

Outten

Running for

Wicomico County Council

District 7

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

Wicomico's problems don't care about party labels. I’m running to fight for stronger schools, safer communities, and a government that works with residents, not above them. That's why I'm proud to earn the Maryland Forward Party endorsement because real solutions start with people, not parties.

Steve Green
Endorsed Candidate

Steve

Green

Running for

Worcester County Commission

District 4

transparent.png

Nov 3, 2026

Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party

I welcome any and all community support and identify wholeheartedly with the Forward Party’s slogan of “Not Left. Not Right. Forward."

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.

bottom of page