Maryland Freedom Caucus Recaps 2026 Legislative Session
Members of the Maryland Freedom Caucus sent the following release about their assessment of the 2026 Legislative Session
The Maryland General Assembly adjourned Sine Die after a session that was supposed to deliver real solutions for a safer, freer and more affordable Maryland.
Instead, Democrats delivered an avalanche of missed opportunities, partisan power grabs, and symbolic gestures that left seniors and families worse off.
The session’s flagship energy bills provided no relief for ratepayers. HB1 and HB1532 failed to address the state’s growing energy affordability crisis, doubling down on policies driving higher costs.
Early in the session, Democrats pushed HB488, a mid-decade redistrictingproposal aimed at eliminating Maryland’s last Republican congressional seat and
locking in an 8-0 Democratic delegation. The measure ultimately failed in the Senate.
Public safety also took a hit. Annapolis Democrats prioritized criminal illegal aliens and undermined law enforcement by expanding sensitive areas for immigration enforcement, banning cooperation between local sheriffs and ICE, and expanding civil actions against federal agents in the “No Kings Act.”
“This session was a masterclass in missed opportunities,” said Delegate Matt Morgan, Chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus.
“While families struggled with
energy costs, crime, and taxes, Democrats focused on protecting criminal illegal aliens, gerrymandering away fair representation, and pushing ideological policies. Maryland deserves better than one-party failure.”
The session concluded with the largest budget in state history – an unsustainable spending plan likely to force future tax increases, including a potential sales tax
hike.
Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, Whip, added: “Some in our own ranks traded backbone for budget crumbs, but the Maryland Freedom Caucus stood firm. One-party rule continues to deliver higher costs, weaker safety, and less freedom.”
While ignoring key challenges, Democrats advanced policies the Caucus argues reflect misplaced priorities, particularly on election laws and social policy.
“We watched billions spent with no real relief for working families. Instead of lowering costs or improving public safety, they restricted law enforcement tools
and tried to silence opposition,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga, Vice Chair.
“Meanwhile, we debated whether ‘biological boys’ is offensive, whether tampons belong in boys’ bathrooms, and whether elections are both too secure for voter ID and in need of a new Voting Rights Act.”
The Maryland Freedom Caucus remains committed to lowering taxes and energy costs, strengthening public safety, ensuring election integrity, and advancing a government that serves the people, not special interests.
