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State Senator, 9th 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
Ben HightowerRepublican
- Proposes expanding the Homestead Tax Credit.
- Proposes a $500 per-child tax credit.
- Supports repealing the IT services tax.
Katie Fry HesterDemocratic
- Opposes broad-based tax increases except as a last resort.
Public safety
Ben HightowerRepublican
No documented position found.
Katie Fry HesterDemocratic
- Sponsored a bill on AI deepfake identity fraud.In office
Education
Ben HightowerRepublican
- Proposes slowing Blueprint implementation by three to five years.
- Supports higher teacher pay and more vocational training.
Katie Fry HesterDemocratic
- Sponsored the AI-Ready Schools Act for AI literacy.
- Supports keeping Blueprint core while adjusting timelines.
Housing
Ben HightowerRepublican
- Proposes cutting permit approval times to 30 days.
Katie Fry HesterDemocratic
- Supports faster permitting and housing near jobs and transit.
Roads & infrastructure
Ben HightowerRepublican
- Supports fast-tracking natural gas and small nuclear power.
Katie Fry HesterDemocratic
- Led efforts to make data centers pay their costs.
Health & human services
Ben HightowerRepublican
No documented position found.
Katie Fry HesterDemocratic
- Pledges to defend reproductive rights.
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.