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State Senator, 5th 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.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    • Pledges to eliminate wasteful spending and failing programs.
    • Co-sponsored tying Maryland's estate tax to the federal one.

Public safety

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    • Supports more speed cameras, at least near schools.
    • Supports the state ban on 287(g) agreements with ICE.
    • Supports more funding for fire and emergency services.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    • Opposed 2023's SB 1 limiting wear-and-carry permit use.
    • Sponsored legislation targeting repeat violent offenders.

Education

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    • Supports evaluating the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    No documented position found.

Economy & jobs

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    • Supports data centers providing their own energy.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    No documented position found.

Roads & infrastructure

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    • Opposes the Piedmont Reliability Project transmission line.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    No documented position found.

Environment & parks

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    • Sponsored repeal of the vehicle emissions inspection program.In office

Health & human services

Government & transparency

  • Gary FooteDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Justin ReadyRepublican

    • Sponsored proof of identity for in-person voting.In office

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; 8 issues covered in this race.