Mangione to Run for State Senate in District 42

Del. Nino Mangione announced he is running for state Senate in 2024 in District.

“I was so honored to have more than 250 people with me as I announced my campaign for State Senator. It was so great to have family, friends and supporters with me on this great evening,” he said at his event in Cockeysville.

“We had people from Baltimore County, Carroll County and other friends from across Maryland. Thank you to everyone!”

The seat is currently held by Republican Senator Chris West, but there have been reports West will retire after this term.

The question is why did Mangione make this announcement now? Traditionally announcements for the next Gubernatorial cycle (2026) are not announced until after the next Presidential Election cycle (2024).

I thought there was a possibility that Mangione was going to make an announcement for a 2024 such as challenge to one of the Democratic members of Congress or to go after Ben Cardin’s vacant U.S. Senate seat.

Since 2024 is a non-election year for the House of Delegates, Mangione would have not had to give up his Delegate seat if he ran for either seat.

Don’t understand the reason for making the state Senate announcement now. He would have easily become the GOP nominee if he waited until late 2025 and District 42 is now an easier general election win for Republicans as West as unopposed by the Democrats in 2022.

Maybe the announcement was made to send a message to West that he will face serious competition if he does not plan to retire.