District 27B Rematch Intensifies Amid Claims, Counterclaims, and Voter Outreach
As the Democratic primary in District 27B approaches, the rematch between Del. Jeff Long and former Del. Rachel R. Jones has entered a new phase marked by allegations, voter outreach, and questions about campaign conduct.
Jones, who previously served in the House of Delegates by gubernatorial appointment before losing the 2022 primary to Long, is again seeking the seat. In recent comments to The Baltimore Sun, she urged voters to consider “each candidate’s background and their reputation before casting their votes.”
Long and his supporters say those remarks were intended to cast doubt on his character. Messages circulating among community members and shared with this outlet include claims that Jones is the subject of a Maryland State Board of Elections inquiry and has an unpaid civil penalty. The Board has not publicly confirmed any investigation, and some administrative enforcement actions are not posted online.
In the same messages, Long expressed frustration at what he views as attempts to damage his reputation. “I have never bothered or been disrespectful to anyone,” he wrote, adding that he prefers to avoid headlines.
Separately, this outlet has reviewed additional communications sent to community members alleging that Long “owes a great deal of money.” According to individuals familiar with the situation, the debt referenced in those messages is tied to a small church where Long preaches, not to Long personally. The messages appear to frame the issue as a personal liability.
If believing the Bible is a crime then you can just lock up me and Jeff
Other individuals have contacted this outlet describing outreach that criticizes Long for being a “Bible‑believing Christian” or for having attended a Christian university. Long’s supporters say such characterizations are intended to alienate voters, though religious affiliation is not typically a factor in Maryland campaign finance or ethics matters.
The race between Long and Jones has been competitive since 2022, when Long defeated Jones after her brief appointed tenure. Both candidates have longstanding ties to the district and to state government. As of this publication, the State Board of Elections has not issued any public findings regarding either campaign.
The primary is scheduled for June 23.
Hi Barry. Thanks for sharing this. I don't know how this became an anti-Christian argument, as I am also a Christian. I'm happy to address the civil penalty you've noted. Someone reported a campaign flyer of mine last month to the MD Board of Elections. The flyer was from my campaign kickoff fundraiser in December and listed the wrong Treasurer, as a volunteer had reached out and wanted to be my new Treasurer. Initially, I said yes, then decided to switch back to my original Treasurer and a new flyer was circulated with the updated Treasurer in the authority line. The Board of Elections is reviewing the evidence that shows my campaign made the changes through their campaign finance system switching Treasurers on December 3rd, and in the updated flyers. That's why the $50 penalty is unpaid, because it will most likely be waived. Stark difference between a $50 admin penalty an $81k judgement. See how easily I took accountability and explained that?