The Curious Case of Senator Dalya Attar’s Continued Tenure

The Curious Case of Senator Dalya Attar’s Continued Tenure

By Archibald Cousins III

Maryland politics has seen its share of ethical crises, but few are as puzzling as the ongoing situation surrounding Senator Dalya Attar. Appointed to the State Senate in January 2025 and indicted in October of that same year, she remains fully seated, fully empowered, and untouched by internal Senate discipline. The contrast with past precedent is striking.

Consider former Senator Nathaniel Oaks. He was appointed to the Senate in June 2017, indicted on bribery and wire‑fraud charges in March 2018, stripped of his committee assignments immediately, and resigned the following month. The Senate acted swiftly and decisively.

So why the double standard?

This question lands squarely at the feet of Senate President Bill Ferguson. The discrepancy raises the possibility that Attar’s continued presence in the chamber is politically convenient. Attar is widely understood to oppose the current redistricting bill — a bill Ferguson has worked aggressively to block. Her likely successor, Malcolm Ruff, is expected to support redistricting. The political incentives are obvious.

One could reasonably argue that Ferguson’s determination to stop redistricting is so strong that he is willing to keep one of the chamber’s most conservative Democrats in place, despite serious federal allegations. Those allegations include the illegal use of electronic equipment, extortion, intimidation, and conduct suggesting that, during her time in the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, she applied the law selectively — or, at worst, undermined it outright.

In my view, Senator Attar should be stripped of her committee assignments. I am not arguing for expulsion; an indictment alone should not trigger removal from office. But the Senate has a responsibility to protect the integrity of its committees. Leaving her in place deprives her district of genuine representation and instead allows her seat to serve Ferguson’s political ends.

This dynamic becomes even more troubling when viewed alongside Ferguson’s support for SB1, legislation that has contributed to skyrocketing energy rates across Maryland. Seniors and low‑income families have borne the brunt of these increases, while well‑connected figures — including Exelon lobbyists such as Brandon Jackson and Maurice Simpson — continue to benefit from public appointments and influence. Attar has never publicly criticized the impact of these energy hikes, a silence that conveniently aligns with Ferguson’s political needs.

There is also the legal dimension. A high‑ranking official in the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office has suggested that Attar is unlikely to be convicted and may see her federal charges dropped. If that happens, it is improbable the city would pursue its own case. But the implications are far broader: Attar’s alleged misconduct could call into question past prosecutions she touched, potentially forcing the reopening of numerous cases. Such a scenario would overwhelm the judiciary — a prospect many institutions would prefer to avoid. In that sense, the system has incentives to let the matter quietly fade.

Finally, there are rumors that figures aligned with what some call the “Attar‑Schleifer machine” may attempt to flood the upcoming Senate race with additional candidates to dilute support for Malcolm Ruff. I believe Ruff would serve the district well, and I support his election.

This situation deserves scrutiny, transparency, and accountability. Marylanders should not have to wonder whether the rules of ethics are applied based on principle — or political convenience.

N.B. Archibald Cousins III speaks for himself. I fundamentally disagree with much of what he has to say. I believe Senator Dalya Attar is innocent and will be found innocent and charges will be dropped. I don’t think a nice lady like her could do such bad stuff.