Delegate Gary Simmons Faces Scrutiny Over Campaign Spending Patterns
ANNAPOLIS — A growing chorus of legislators and political observers is raising alarms about Delegate Gary Simmons’ campaign‑finance practices, alleging that the Anne Arundel County Democrat has been using his campaign account as a personal expense fund throughout the 2026 legislative session.
According to political analyst Jimmy O’Toole, who spoke extensively about the matter, Simmons’ spending has crossed lines that Maryland law draws sharply between campaign activity and personal use.
“It appears that Delegate Simmons has been using the entire session his campaign funds to buy food. And I’ve even heard that he has done this at the casino,” O’Toole said, citing conversations among multiple lawmakers who have witnessed or discussed the behavior. He added that legislators already receive a meal stipend during session, making the pattern “particularly difficult to justify.”
Under Maryland law, campaign funds may not be used for personal living expenses, including meals, unless the expenditure is directly tied to campaign activity. Routine lunches during session — especially in the legislative canteen — do not meet that standard.
O’Toole did not mince words about the seriousness of the allegations. “It’s really… one can call it fraud arguably,” he said. “I believe it’s being looked at by the state prosecutor.”
If accurate, that would place Simmons among a small but notable group of Maryland officials whose campaign‑finance practices have drawn prosecutorial attention in recent years. O’Toole suggested that the review “could begin to bear fruit” before Simmons’ separate residency‑related court battle reaches the state Supreme Court in early May.
Political Fallout Already Underway
The spending controversy has already reshaped the Democratic primary landscape in District 12B. O’Toole said that John Dove, once a supporter of Simmons, entered the race only after losing confidence in Simmons’ integrity and electability.
“Delegate Simmons’ reckless and apparently illegal spending of campaign funds likely caused Dove to question not only the integrity of Delegate Simmons, but also his ability to defeat Republican opposition in the upcoming election,” O’Toole said.
Dove is now represented by former Senator Jill P. Carter in a residency challenge filed by Simmons — a case O’Toole believes will ultimately favor Dove.
A Broader Question of Trust
Beyond the legal implications, O’Toole emphasized the breach of trust with donors and constituents.
“It’s really… a loss of money for his donors,” he said, arguing that Simmons’ pattern of spending reflects a legislator “bringing his lifestyle” underwritten by campaign contributions.
If the state prosecutor’s office confirms an investigation, Simmons could face fines, repayment orders, or more serious consequences depending on the findings.
For now, the allegations continue to circulate among lawmakers, activists, and party officials — and Simmons’ political future appears increasingly uncertain.