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We ask that all prospective candidates and 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.

 

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.

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We are also looking ahead to the 2026 Mid-term Elections and Maryland's statewide Gubernatorial Elections. 

 

If you are interested in running for office (Local, County, State Legislative, Congressional) or potentially interested and would like to strategize more, please start by reviewing our Candidate Review Process below and filling out our Candidate Application Form. 

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Candidate Review, Support, & Endorsement Process 

 

1. Please begin by completing out Candidate Application Form.

 

2. Candidate Committee Interview: The Candidate Committee consists of MD FWD volunteers and at least one Board member. Candidates will meet with the Committee for a 30-minute discussion. This is an initial meet & greet to see if all parties are generally aligned on core values. 

 

3. Review Period: Following a Candidate Committee Interview, where both parties are interested in proceeding, an automated  review cycle will begin to better evaluate the background of the pending election and any additionally relevant context.

This is approximately a 2-3 week cycle. 

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4. Board Interview: The Board of Directors for the MD FWD Party will interview the Candidate and discuss the candidate's background, motivation for running, policy objectives, values, campaign strategy, and viability. The interview will use this standard questionnaire to help guide the conversation. They will also receive recommendations from the Candidate Committee. Afterwards, the Board members will vote on whether to:

• support the candidate

• not support the candidate

• allow more time for decisions to be reconsidered

 

5. Shortlist & Endorsement:

Candidates receiving support from the Maryland Forward Party within 6 months of their respective elections, will receive an official endorsement.  Candidates receiving support from the Maryland Forward Party outside of 6 months will be added to our supported shortlist of candidates. This is a list of candidates who we feel are aligned with our core values and candidates who we believe our supporters should be aware of and tracking.  Once on the MD FWD Candidate Shortlist, candidates will have their events and social media postings shared with MD FWD volunteers, be invited to Candidate Forums, and generally promoted to the MD FWD audience. Being on the short list does not guarantee endorsement or official support. The shortlist exists for the MD FWD members educational and awareness purposes and to help connect the candidate with our support network. 

 

Six months prior to election dates, the leadership of MD FWD, including non-board members, will review and evaluate our short-listed candidates, the remaining candidates in the election, and additional relevant context for each election.  From this evaluation, the Board will ultimately vote on formal endorsements. 

6. Endorsed & FWD Affiliated: MD FWD will then move ahead by exclusively supporting our Endorsed candidates. Support will include continued amplification of events and social media postings, concentrated volunteer recruitment, and additional support efforts, including financial contributions, when possible.

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