As an expert in the political landscape of Calvert County, MD, I have been closely following the 2020 election season. This county, located in the southern part of Maryland, has become a highly sought-after location for political campaigns due to its picturesque waterfront towns and rural landscapes. With over 90,000 residents and a rich history dating back to the 17th century, Calvert County is a key player in the upcoming elections.
The County's Political Landscape
Currently, Calvert County is represented by two congressional districts - the 5th and 1st districts. The 5th district covers the majority of the county and is currently held by Republican representative Steny Hoyer.The 1st district covers a small portion of the northern part and is held by Republican representative Andy Harris. At the state level, Calvert County is part of District 27A and District 27B. District 27A is represented by Democrat Michael Jackson, while District 27B is represented by Republican Mark Fisher. The county also has a Board of County Commissioners, with five members elected at-large.
Currently, four of the five commissioners are Republicans.
The Upcoming Elections
The November 2020 elections in Calvert County will be closely watched as there are several key races to keep an eye on. At the congressional level, incumbent Steny Hoyer, who has held the seat since 1981 and is currently the House Majority Leader, will be facing off against Republican challenger Chris Palombi for the 5th district seat. In the 1st district, incumbent Andy Harris, known for his conservative views on issues such as healthcare and immigration, will be running for re-election against Democratic challenger Mia Mason.At the state level, District 27A will see incumbent Michael Jackson running for re-election against Republican challenger Jason Fowler. District 27B will also have an incumbent, Mark Fisher, running for re-election against Democratic challenger Sarah Elfreth.Both Jackson and Fisher have held their seats since 2015.
The Key Issues
As an expert in this field, I am well aware of the key issues being debated in Calvert County. One of the main concerns is the county's growth and development. With its close proximity to Washington D. C., Calvert County has seen a significant increase in population over the years.This has led to discussions about preserving the county's rural character and managing growth in a sustainable way. Education is another important issue in Calvert County. While the public school system is highly rated, there are ongoing debates about funding and resources for schools. Some candidates are advocating for increased funding, while others are focused on improving school safety measures. Other issues that are being discussed include healthcare, taxes, and the environment. Each candidate has their own views on how to address these issues and is using their campaign to share their plans with voters.
The Impact of COVID-19
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the political campaigns in Calvert County.With social distancing guidelines in place, traditional campaign events such as rallies and door-to-door canvassing have been put on hold. Instead, candidates have had to rely on virtual events and social media to reach voters. The pandemic has also brought attention to issues such as healthcare and economic recovery, which have become key talking points for candidates. The handling of the pandemic by local and national leaders has also become a topic of debate among candidates.
The Importance of Local Elections
While the presidential election may be dominating the headlines, it's important not to overlook the impact of local elections. The decisions made by local representatives have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents.From education and healthcare to infrastructure and taxes, these issues are all influenced by the decisions made by local leaders. Local elections also provide an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and make a difference in their community. By researching the candidates and their platforms, voters can make informed decisions and help shape the future of their county.
