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State Senator, 11th District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator votes on Maryland laws and the state budget and confirms the Governor's appointments.
Taxes & budget
Jim SimpsonRepublican
- Supports substantial tax and regulation cuts.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Supports a data-based mix of cuts and new revenue.
Public safety
Jim SimpsonRepublican
- Proposes ending sanctuary policies and deporting undocumented immigrants.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Supports universal background checks and safe gun storage.
Education
Jim SimpsonRepublican
- Proposes abandoning the Blueprint (Kirwan) education plan.
- Proposes portable school taxes for private and home schooling.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Sponsored a clearinghouse for screening school educators.In office
Housing
Jim SimpsonRepublican
- Supports rolling back home construction regulations.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Supports permitting reform to expand housing supply.
Roads & infrastructure
Jim SimpsonRepublican
- Proposes relying on gas, hydro, nuclear and coal power.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Sponsored climate impact assessments for highway expansions.In office
Environment & parks
Jim SimpsonRepublican
- Opposes the offshore wind project.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Supports renewable energy such as wind and solar.
Courts & justice
Jim SimpsonRepublican
No documented position found.
Shelly L. HettlemanDemocratic
- Supports ending mandatory minimums for nonviolent offenders.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.