State

State Senator, 42nd 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.

Candidates Compare by issue

Stephanie Popescu

Democratic

Public school teacher · Towson

The gist

Supports a slower Blueprint rollout without tax increases.
Proposes slowing growth across state agencies.
Supports building more local power plants.
Pledges to address the housing crisis driving up costs.

More about Stephanie

View sources (1)

Supports a slower Blueprint rollout without tax increases.
Maryland Senate District 42: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · thebanner.com
“I would rather see a slower rollout than a financial crisis that results in deep K-12 cuts. … We can fund our education goals without increasing tax burdens on struggling families.”
Proposes slowing growth across state agencies.
Maryland Senate District 42: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · thebanner.com
“the state needs to be more responsible in spending by reducing growth across state agencies and improving government efficiency.”
Supports building more local power plants.
Maryland Senate District 42: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · thebanner.com
“The state must also work to bring down surging utility bills and build more local power plants to keep costs low in the long term.”
Pledges to address the housing crisis driving up costs.
Maryland Senate District 42: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · The Baltimore Banner · thebanner.com
“We have to address the growing housing crisis that is driving up prices and costs for businesses.”

Kevin Ford

Republican

Firefighter; farmer; small business owner · Baltimore County

The gist

Pledges to vote against new taxes and cut spending.
Supports protecting District 42 farmland.
Supports parental involvement in children's education.
Opposes illegal immigration, citing violent crimes.

More about Kevin

View sources (1)

Pledges to vote against new taxes and cut spending.
Kevin Ford for State Senate (campaign home page)
Campaign website · Friends of Kevin Ford · friendsofkevinford.com
“I will be a consistent vote against new taxes and focus on reducing government spending.”
Supports protecting District 42 farmland.
Kevin Ford for State Senate (campaign home page)
Campaign website · Friends of Kevin Ford · friendsofkevinford.com
“We have a rich history in farming and it is a dedicated way of life which must be protected.”
Supports parental involvement in children's education.
Kevin Ford for State Senate (campaign home page)
Campaign website · Friends of Kevin Ford · friendsofkevinford.com
“I believe that parents have a right to be involved in the education of their children.”
Opposes illegal immigration, citing violent crimes.
Kevin Ford for State Senate (campaign home page)
Campaign website · Friends of Kevin Ford · friendsofkevinford.com
“Maryland as well as our country have experienced the problems associated with illegal immigration.”

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; 6 issues covered in this race.