CALIFORNIA, Md. — The 2026 election cycle will shape the future of Southern Maryland at both the county and state levels, and at The BayNet, we believe voters deserve more than campaign mailers and political ads. They deserve real answers.
That is why we are launching our 2026 Election Candidate Video Podcast Series, “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics.” This series will feature in-depth interviews with candidates running for:
- County Commissioner (St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties)
- Maryland State Delegate
- Maryland State Senator
These conversations will give candidates the opportunity to speak directly to voters in a meaningful way.
Before we sit down with the candidates, we want to hear from you.
Your Questions. Your Issues. Your Election.
Southern Maryland residents care deeply about the direction of their counties and their representation in Annapolis. From local budgeting and land use decisions to state legislation affecting schools, public safety, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and environmental protection, the officials elected in 2026 will directly impact our daily lives.
We want to ensure the issues that matter most to our community are part of the conversation.
What do you want us to ask the candidates? This is your opportunity to help shape our election coverage.
We are collecting reader-submitted questions that may be asked directly during our live video podcast interviews.
About “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics”
The BayNet has partnered with Chris Hill, who will serve as host and interviewer for these live video podcast sessions.
Our goal is simple: to provide voters with thoughtful, issue-driven discussions that go beyond headlines and soundbites.
Why This Matters
Local and state elections often have the most direct impact on our everyday lives, yet they do not always receive the in-depth attention they deserve.
The BayNet is committed to providing balanced election coverage and giving candidates equal opportunity to share their platforms. We also believe voters should have access to clear, substantive conversations about the future of Southern Maryland.
That begins with listening to our community.
How to Submit Your Questions
We invite readers to submit their questions in the comments below or email us directly at partnerships@thebaynet.com.
Please include your first name, county of residence, and indicate whether your question is for a specific person, county, or position.
Selected questions may be featured during our interviews with 2026 candidates for County Commissioner, State Delegate, and State Senator.
Let’s make this election season about accountability, transparency, and community-driven dialogue.
Where To Find Upcoming Coverage
Find upcoming election coverage at https://thebaynet.com/elections/. Videos will also be available on The BayNet’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Candidates: We Want to Hear From You
If you are a 2026 candidate for County Commissioner, Maryland State Delegate, or Maryland State Senator in St. Mary’s, Calvert, or Charles County and have not yet received our invitation to participate in “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics,” please contact us at:
We welcome the opportunity to include you.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
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good question! what will we get if your challenger is electedd?
if you get the chance to interview circuit court judge candidates, ask them the last time they had jury duty + whether they feel jurys start out with a presumed innocent until proven guilty attitude, + if not, how would they change jury selection to make sure that happens? We have visitors from other states loooking at this website + its not just a Maryland issue. I do wonder whether jury selection is done correctly + I’ll leave it at that.
The SA + the defense are both involved in jury selection. Is there paperwork filed about it? how can someone get a jury \ presumed innnocent with the SA involved when the SAs goal is to get a conviction? It is the courts responsibility to provide jurors and yet the SA, whose goal it is to get a conviction, is involved in jury selection/ So, how can a defendant have a jury of presumed innocence? A question for judge candidates, for attorney general candidates + for states attorney candidates. You can throw the clerk of the court in there, too. same building.
If they think our society is infested with laws + will they keep that in mind in a law making position. Will they keep that in mind in a law enforcement position? Will they keep that in mind in a prosecutor position? Will they keep that in mind in a sentencing position?
the Sas should be asked how many times, during the last 4 years, they’ve dropped charges + the new candidates should be asked what they commit to not prosecuting. Looking for data on this\ if the data is kept on charges\ the SAs office\ dropped charges. Its not wrong to drop a charge sometimes, an arrest is enough. Also, willl they have a lawyer in traffic court to drop charges? A reasonable lawyer provided with an explanation of why charges should be dropped\ an opportunity to contribute court fees to charity. Why is it that traffic charges are allowed to be prosecuted ……. without an SA present?