Ron Watson
Candidate for State Senator, 23rd District
Background
- Occupation
- State senator; defense consultant
- Lives in
- Prince George's County
- Campaign website
- ronformaryland.com
State senator for District 23 since August 2021; delegate for District 23B 2019-2021. President of Watson Management Corporation, a Defense Department consultant, and a former Army signal officer; Ph.D. in systems science from Binghamton University.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supports legalizing iGaming for new state revenue.
Answer to The Banner's question on closing the structural deficit. Primary sponsor in 2026 of SB 885 (Internet Gaming and Online Bingo - Authorization and Implementation) and SB 761 (internet gaming referendum).
ReportMaryland Senate District 23: 2026 Maryland Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · May 18, 2026 · thebanner.com
“Use appropriate guardrails for data center expansion in Maryland as well as implementing iGaming for new revenue.”
Supports requiring funding sources for new initiatives.
ReportMaryland Senate District 23: 2026 Maryland Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · May 18, 2026 · thebanner.com
“Expanding the business tax base and ensuring that any new initiatives have a funding source.”
Sponsored the Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act.In office
Primary sponsor of SB 382 (2026 regular session), titled "Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act".
ReportSenator Ron Watson, member page, Maryland General AssemblyGovernment record · Maryland General Assembly · Legislation: SB 382 · mgaleg.maryland.gov
“Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act”
Public safety
Sponsored handgun-carry bill on people with prior convictions.In office
Primary sponsor of SB 620 (2026 regular session), titled "Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun - Prior Convictions".
ReportSenator Ron Watson, member page, Maryland General AssemblyGovernment record · Maryland General Assembly · Legislation: SB 620 · mgaleg.maryland.gov
“Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun - Prior Convictions”
Education
Supports keeping the Blueprint while results come in.
ReportMaryland Senate District 23: 2026 Maryland Voter GuideCandidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · May 18, 2026 · thebanner.com
“The Blueprint is a good plan, and I would like to see the results before rolling this back.”
Economy & jobs
Sponsored regulation of digital assets and staking.In office
Primary sponsor of SB 759 (2026 regular session), titled "Financial Institutions - Digital Assets and Digital Asset Staking - Regulation (Maryland Financial Innovation Act of 2026)".
ReportSenator Ron Watson, member page, Maryland General AssemblyGovernment record · Maryland General Assembly · Legislation: SB 759 · mgaleg.maryland.gov
“Financial Institutions - Digital Assets and Digital Asset Staking - Regulation”
All sources (5)
- Certified ballots, 2026 Gubernatorial General Election (every county's ballot styles)
Election filing · Maryland State Board of Elections · elections.maryland.gov
- 2026 Gubernatorial General Election State Candidates List
Election filing · Maryland State Board of Elections · elections.maryland.gov
- Certified ballots, 2026 Gubernatorial General Election: Prince George's County (every ballot style)
Election filing · Maryland State Board of Elections · elections.maryland.gov
- Maryland Senate District 23: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · May 18, 2026 · thebanner.com
- Senator Ron Watson, member page, Maryland General Assembly
Government record · Maryland General Assembly · mgaleg.maryland.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.