Our Elected Officials
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 the Maryland Forward Shortlist.
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.
Janie
Monier
Board Member
Frederick County Board of Education
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I am excited to be endorsed by the Forward Party because the values align with my own. Voters should feel like their vote matters and their elected official is someone they can get behind. We need a representative government that represents the people versus their biggest donors.
James
Kole
City Councilmember / Council President
Laurel City Council, Ward 1
Nov 4, 2025
Why affiliate with Maryland Forward Party
I am excited to be endorsed by Forward. Until very recently, I was unaware that there was an actual third party that aligned with my views, leading me to believe the only way I could be a voice not beholden to a party, was to remain unaffiliated.
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