In the Maryland State Senate, Democrats hold a commanding supermajority. But that doesn’t mean the 13 Republican senators should be ignored. After all, they still make up 28% of the chamber. And in a government that runs best on balance, it helps to know who these senators are—especially which ones bring serious ideas to the table and which ones are just making noise.
As a lifelong Democrat, I’ve often dismissed Republicans in Annapolis as, in the words of an old friend in the hills, “about as useful as tits on a boar hog.” But every now and then, someone surprises you.
Steve Hershey: A Grown-Up in the Room
Senator Steve Hershey of the Upper Eastern Shore (District 36) is the current Minority Leader and one of the few Republicans I’d describe as thoughtful, informed, and occasionally persuasive. I don’t agree with him on everything—far from it—but I’ve seen him operate with integrity and seriousness. He knows how to govern. Hershey works across the aisle when it matters, especially on infrastructure, rural broadband, and transportation issues that affect his constituents and the state as a whole.
He’s not MAGA, not a bomb-thrower, and not someone seeking Fox News soundbites. He’s there to legislate.
The Responsible Republicans
There are a few other names worth noting among Republicans who try to function as citizen legislators:
Sen. Justin Ready (District 5, Carroll County): A staunch conservative, but serious on education and public safety. He represents a deeply red district and generally reflects its values.
Sen. Paul Corderman (District 2, Washington County): Often speaks about crime and economic development. Known more for local focus than theatrics.
Sen. Chris West (District 42, Baltimore County): A rare Republican in the Baltimore suburbs. Sometimes takes moderate stances and has worked with Democrats on justice reform. West won his seat by crushing ULTRA-PROGRESIVE Virtue Signaling performative activist Robbie Leonard.
The Grandstanders and MAGA Watch
While Maryland Republicans tend to be less extreme than their Southern counterparts, the national MAGA virus has infected even Annapolis in some ways.
Sen. Jason Gallion (District 35, Harford and Cecil Counties): Closest thing Maryland has to a MAGA-style populist. Speaks more to national right-wing issues than state concerns.
Sen. Johnny Mautz (District 37, Eastern Shore): Often more style than substance. Mautz ran for Congress and lost, but seems to still be angling for something larger.
Sen. Mike McKay (District 1, Western Maryland): Frequently critical of Annapolis "elites," leans heavily rural grievance, and echoes MAGA rhetoric occasionally. Once seen as a “Franchot” Reublican but has veered to the MAGA.
That said, Maryland Republicans rarely go full Trump in public statements—they know the state’s politics are blue, and many want to be taken seriously. But you can tell from who they align with and which bills they support where the undercurrents lie.
The Rest: TBD
Some newer members haven’t made much of a name for themselves yet—at least not in terms of pushing legislation or public engagement:
Sen. Jack Bailey (District 29, Southern Maryland): A law-and-order guy with deep ties to the police lobby. Strong positions, less bipartisanship.
Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (District 38, Lower Shore): Focused on veterans and healthcare but usually votes the party line.
Sen. Chris Jacobs (District 33, Anne Arundel County): A freshman with potential, but it's still early.
Sen. William Folden (District 4, Frederick & Carroll Counties): Also new, came from the House. Leans hard right, but jury’s still out on effectiveness.
Why This Matters
Democrats dominate the state, but we still need to know who’s on the other side. Some Republicans can work with Democrats and help improve policy. Others are simply running out the clock until they can get on a talk radio show.
If you want good governance, you need to know the difference.
