Free Mini Golf And Open Conversations: Chuck Borges Invites District 29 Voters To Meet Him

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Maryland Senate candidate Chuck Borges is inviting Southern Maryland families to trade the traditional political fundraiser for a free afternoon of miniature golf, conversation and community connection.

Borges’ “Golf Cup for Us” will be held Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Lexington Manor Passive Park, located at 21675 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park.

The campaign plans to transform the park into a miniature golf course using nine portable holes rented from a small Prince Frederick business. The event is free and open to the community.

The Borges campaign created the event as a free alternative to traditional political golf tournaments, which can cost hundreds of dollars to enter and are often held at times that do not work for many working residents. The Sunday afternoon event will demonstrate the approach Borges says he would bring to the Maryland Senate: considering what works best for everyday people and making participation accessible to more of the community.

A Different Kind Of Campaign Event

“Golf Cup for Us” is one of several informal events Borges is holding throughout Southern Maryland.                                    

The campaign has also organized coffee gatherings, karaoke nights and town halls designed to give residents opportunities to speak directly with Borges about the issues affecting their families and communities.

Borges is the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Sen. Jack Bailey in MD District 29, which includes St. Mary’s County and southern Calvert County. 

While the campaign’s events may be unconventional, Borges said the purpose is serious: listening to residents and developing policies informed by their experiences.

The campaign has also invited Bailey to participate in a town hall with Borges on Wednesday, Sept 23, after Bailey was unable to attend the Calvert County League of Women Voters Forum.  Additional information will be announced after scheduling details are finalized.  

From Naval Aviation To Public Service

Service has been at the center of Borges’ life, from his military career to his work protecting public data and now his campaign to represent Southern Maryland.

His Navy career first brought him to Southern Maryland in 2004 to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Except for deployments, including service in the Persian Gulf, Borges has called the region home ever since.

Borges attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and joined the Navy through ROTC to help pay for college. He went on to serve as a naval flight officer aboard the P-3C Orion, graduate from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and log nearly 3,000 flight hours in more than 20 types of aircraft.

After retiring from the Navy in 2021, Borges continued his public service through federal roles in health data, technology and government operations. He later served as chief data officer for the Social Security Administration. In 2025, Borges became a federal whistleblower after warning that DOGE personnel had mishandled sensitive Social Security data. A later Department of Justice court filing confirmed key parts of his concerns. His campaign says the decision shows his willingness to speak up and protect the public.

Speaking with PBS NewsHour, Borges connected that experience to his decision to run for office.

“I want to fix where I live,” Borges said. “I want to be a leader that will do the right thing, rather than what’s politically expedient.”

That focus on solving problems close to home also came through during an appearance on The BayNet’s “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics” series.

“I’m running for office basically for my son,” Borges said, explaining that he is concerned about whether young adults will be able to build careers and afford homes in Southern Maryland.

His campaign priorities include expanding career opportunities, making housing more affordable, supporting families and farmers, improving access to child care and health care, and encouraging economic growth that protects Southern Maryland’s natural resources.

Looking Beyond Southern Maryland’s Current Economy

Borges has said Southern Maryland should build on its agricultural, technical and environmental strengths while becoming less dependent on a limited number of industries. Although Patuxent River Naval Air Station remains an important economic driver, he believes the region needs a broader mix of employers to create more stability and career opportunities for future generations.

His jobs plan includes investments in agricultural technology, food processing, farm equipment repair and research partnerships with Maryland universities. Borges says those investments could support local farmers while creating new career fields that allow more Southern Maryland residents to find good-paying work close to home. He has also proposed attracting industries that can serve both defense and commercial markets, helping the region build on its technical workforce without relying entirely on federal spending.

Borges opposes hyperscale data center development in Southern Maryland because of concerns about the amount of farmland, forest, water and electricity the facilities require. His campaign argues that the long-term pressure on local resources would outweigh the benefits for families and that economic development should create sustainable jobs while protecting the region’s rural character.

On housing, Borges has called for incentives to build smaller starter homes and better financing options for rehabilitating existing properties. He says young families and working residents are increasingly being priced out of the market, while building and restoring more modest homes could create affordable pathways to homeownership.

His family-support proposals include universal school meals and partnerships with local farms because he believes children learn better when they have reliable access to food. He also wants to explore ways to reduce child care costs for families and improve pay for providers, while addressing rising medical expenses and provider shortages through more community-centered care.

Meet Chuck Borges In September And October

Times, locations and appearances may change. Visit the campaign’s Meet Chuck page or social media pages for the latest information.

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