Lauren Arikan

Candace Hart is a Democratic candidate running in the June 23, 2026, primary for Maryland House of Delegates District 7B (parts of Harford County, including areas like Joppa, Edgewood, and surrounding communities). She is challenging the incumbent Republican Lauren Arikan in the general election if she advances.

• Lifelong Marylander, grew up in Abingdon area, graduated from Edgewood High School.
• Associate degrees in Political Science and Psychology from Harford Community College.
• Over 20 years in the mortgage and title industry; self-employed as a licensed title producer/notary (helps with mortgage transactions and closings). Lives in Joppa with two grown children.
• Positions herself as a moderate Democrat focused on "people over politics," practical solutions, affordability, listening to constituents, government integrity, and reducing division.

• Cost of living: Address rising housing, utilities, groceries, taxes; support affordable childcare, senior protections, and property tax relief.
• Economy & families: Support workers/unions, small businesses, farmers/agriculture, job training; oppose harmful privatization.
• Education: Full school funding, vocational programs, smaller classes, teacher pay.
• Public safety & guns: Community policing, school safety, universal background checks, ban ghost guns (while supporting 2nd Amendment rights via safety courses).
• Health, environment, community: Expand healthcare/mental health access, protect the Chesapeake Bay, support LGBTQ+ inclusion, animal welfare, and anti-cruelty laws.

She emphasizes transparency, ending political games, and practical compromise. Endorsements include local Democratic groups (e.g., Harford County Democratic Central Committee, NAACP branch).

Public records and searches turn up no major scandals, complaints, legal issues, or significant negative coverage about Candace Hart. She appears to be a first-time candidate with a low public profile outside her campaign.

• No reports of professional complaints in her mortgage/title work.
• Campaign-related mentions on social media and local groups are mostly neutral or promotional (e.g., events, canvassing, farm bureau vetting).
• Like many local candidates, she faces standard political pushback in polarized discussions (e.g., on taxes, development, or immigration), but nothing personal or substantiated stands out.

Her campaign is grassroots and focuses on local issues like affordability in Harford County. For the latest, check her site (friendsofcandacehart.com), Facebook page, or Ballotpedia.

Andre V. Johnson, Jr. (born June 19, 1971) is a Democratic Maryland State Delegate representing District 34A in Harford County (primarily Edgewood and surrounding areas). He has served in the House of Delegates since January 2023 (elected November 2022) and previously on the Harford County Council (District A, 2018–2022). He is running for re-election in 2026.

• Early life and military: Born at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood, MD. Graduated Edgewood High School (1989/1990). U.S. Army veteran (armored crewman, deployed to Iraq; retired as Staff Sergeant around 2015).
• Law enforcement/public safety: Baltimore City Police Officer (Eastern District, 1997–1999); Harford County Sheriff's Office (2000); Special Investigator for Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Other roles: Youth sports coach (football and girls' basketball at Patterson Mill High School); involved with Harford County Democratic Central Committee, Board of Health, Commission on Veterans Affairs, etc. Founder/president of 555 Sports Academy. Married with five children.
• Note on "MD": Official biographies and records do not list him as a practicing physician (M.D.). This may be a reference to Maryland (the state) or a mix-up; no prominent medical practice appears in his public profile.

He is the first African American to represent Harford County in the Maryland General Assembly. He serves on the Economic Matters Committee (chair of the Unemployment Insurance Subcommittee) and has worked on issues like labor, business regulation, consumer protection, criminal justice reform, education, healthcare access, transportation, and environmental concerns.

• Development/Environment: Opposed certain warehouse projects (e.g., Abingdon Business Park and a proposed mega-warehouse on Perryman Peninsula), supporting moratoriums and protesting over local impacts.
• Crime/Public Safety: Advocated community engagement with law enforcement against gang violence; supported criminal justice reforms like limiting cash bail and de-escalation training.
• National/Partisan: Called for U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R) to resign after 2020 election certification opposition; involved in local redistricting opposition.
• Other: Focused on equity, veterans, disabilities, and worker issues (e.g., unemployment insurance). Voting record aligns with Democratic priorities in a heavily Democratic legislature.

Public records and searches show no major personal scandals, arrests, ethical violations, or high-profile controversies directly tied to Johnson. Criticisms appear mostly political or policy-based:

• Local development opposition: Some business/development interests likely viewed his resistance to warehouse projects and enterprise zone expansions as anti-growth or harmful to economic opportunities in Harford County.
• Partisan clashes: His call for Rep. Harris's resignation drew a sharp rebuttal from Harris, who criticized Johnson's handling of crime/drug issues in his district.
• Council votes: Opposed the county redistricting plan (party-line issue), which some saw as divisive.
• General profile as a Democrat in Harford: As a progressive-leaning voice on criminal justice reform, equity ("Voices of Racial Change"), and development limits in a county with Republican pockets, he draws typical partisan opposition. Conservative groups or business advocates might rate him low on pro-growth or law-and-order metrics.

His record emphasizes public service continuity from military/law enforcement to local/state office, with a focus on community advocacy. For the most current or specific voting details, check official Maryland General Assembly sites or Ballotpedia. If you're looking for something more targeted (e.g., specific bills, campaign finance, or opponent views), provide additional details.

Sheariah Yousefi (often styled Sheariah N. Yousefi) is a Republican candidate running for Maryland House of Delegates District 34B (covering parts of Harford County, including Bel Air and Abingdon) in the June 23, 2026 primary. She is one of two Republicans in that primary (alongside Jake Taylor).

• She has worked in legislative and policy roles, including as Chief of Staff to former Delegate Mike Griffith (R-MD).
• Experience includes time in the Maryland Statehouse, U.S. Congress, and non-profits; she has a BS from Towson University and has participated in programs like WeLead.
• She is a small business owner (involved with Carefree Kitchens), wife, mother, and former Chair of the Harford County Young Republicans.
• Her campaign emphasizes "faith, family, and freedom," Harford County priorities, education, veterans' affairs, and fiscal responsibility. Website: yousefifordelegate.com.

The "negative profile" refers to local political criticism portraying Yousefi as aligned with or supported by what critics call the "Vincenti/Gahler/Robey machine" — a network involving:

• Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler (longtime Harford County Sheriff).
• Patrick Vincenti (County Council President, running for County Executive).
• Erik Robey (Gahler's Director of Legislative/Community Affairs, who also runs Insider Management Group LLC, a political consulting firm).

Key links from public records/criticisms:

• Yousefi's campaign committee reportedly paid Insider Management Group (Robey's firm) around $5,505 for services.
• She has ties to the Harford County Sheriff's Foundation (listed as Secretary in some records) and has publicly supported/presented awards to Gahler.
• Critics (e.g., Substack outlets like Zipwire and My Daily Noise, plus local Facebook groups) view her as an "establishment" or "astroturfed" candidate with limited elected experience, backed by this network to expand influence in Annapolis. They contrast her with more independent or anti-machine challengers.

This network has faced scrutiny over ethics issues (e.g., dual roles, campaign work on public time, budget influence), though Maryland ethics reviews found no legal violations in some cases (e.g., Robey's activities). Gahler/Robey ended certain political work post-review.

Teresa E. Reilly is a dedicated Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates, proudly representing District 35A (Cecil and Harford Counties) since 2023 (previously District 35B from 2015). A committed public servant with deep roots in her community, she focuses on conservative values, fiscal responsibility, health care, public safety, and supporting families and businesses.

Born on June 26, 1958, in Ohio, Reilly moved to Maryland and graduated from Kenwood Senior High School in Essex. She built a career as a bank officer before entering public service. She previously served as Chief of Staff to Delegate H. Wayne Norman Jr. (2008–2013/2014), gaining valuable legislative experience.

Reilly is married to James J. Reilly (Harford County Council member) and has one child and one grandchild. She is actively involved in community organizations, including the Republican Club of Harford County (longtime board member), Harford County Republican Central Committee (former vice-chair), Liriodendron Foundation board, Maryland Horse Council, Maryland Farm Bureau, and the National Rifle Association. Her community service includes volunteering with Helping Hands Across the County.

Elected in 2014 and sworn in January 2015, Reilly has earned leadership roles:

• Deputy Minority Whip (2023–present; also 2015–2018).
• Chair of the Harford County Delegation.
• Member of the Health and Government Operations Committee (focusing on health facilities, long-term care, Medicaid, health professions, and government operations) and the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee.
• Past service on Ways and Means; involvement in veterans, fire-EMS, and military installation caucuses.

She also serves on advisory boards like the Bainbridge Development Advisory Board, Cecil County Local Video Lottery Development Council, Commission on Trauma-Informed Care, and Port of Deposit State Historical Park Stakeholder Advisory Committee.

Reilly champions pro-business policies (lower taxes, controlled spending, fewer regulations), public safety, health care access, and protecting life and liberties. Notable efforts include:

• Heroes Highway — Successfully introduced and passed legislation dedicating part of Route 924 in honor of slain Harford County police deputies (signed by Gov. Larry Hogan).
• Opioid accountability — Sponsored bills to increase penalties for selling opioids leading to a minor’s death, responding to local tragedies.
• Health and public safety — Supported collective bargaining for county deputies; advocated for school reopenings during COVID-19; works on trauma-informed care, newborn screening, cancer screenings for firefighters, and patient protections (e.g., blood transfusions).
• Recent priorities — Legislation on energy generation/transmission, property partition fairness, prompt payment in state procurement, and data collection on health care costs (including maternal and infant health).

She offers a scholarship for District 35A students pursuing higher education in Maryland.

Reilly has received awards for her service, including the C. Kenneth Beattie Chairman’s Award, Pachyderm Award, Voter Registration Award, Outstanding Voluntary Service Award, and Outstanding Employer recognition.

Delegate Reilly is known as a hardworking, accessible representative who prioritizes her constituents’ voices on issues affecting families, seniors, farmers, businesses, and first responders in Cecil and Harford Counties. Her long-term dedication to the Eastern Shore and Harford delegations reflects a consistent commitment to conservative principles and effective governance.

For more details, visit her official site (teresareillyfordelegate.com), Maryland General Assembly page, or contact her Annapolis office. She continues to run for re-election and serve as a strong voice for her district.

Mike Griffith (Christopher Michael Griffith) is a Republican Maryland State Delegate representing District 35A (parts of Cecil and Harford Counties). He has served in the House of Delegates since January 7, 2020 (initially in District 35B before redistricting).

Born in Baltimore around 1977–1978, Griffith grew up in Aberdeen and attended Joppatowne High School in Joppa. After losing his grandmother at age 12, he entered Maryland’s foster care system until 18. This experience has deeply informed his advocacy for foster care reform and vulnerable children.

At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (1995–2002), serving as a military police officer, supervisor, and liaison. He earned three meritorious promotions, multiple awards including three Naval Achievement Medals, and deployed in support of operations in the former Yugoslavia. As a disabled veteran, he remains a strong champion for veterans’ issues.

In his civilian career, Griffith has nearly two decades in business development, including roles with Ripken Baseball, the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, HPS Management (as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer), and currently as Director of Business Development at Albers & Associates. He has served on boards for organizations like the Maryland Building Industry Association, Harford County Economic Development Advisory Board, and Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.

He lives outside Bel Air with his wife Amy and their four children.

Griffith entered politics as a member of the Harford County Republican Central Committee (2018) and became its chair in 2019. Governor Larry Hogan appointed him to the House in late 2019 to fill a vacancy; he was later elected and re-elected. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee and is Vice Chair of the House Veterans Caucus (and former House Republican Steering Committee Chair).

• Foster Care Reform: Sponsored Kanaiyah’s Law (passed in 2026), creating a state foster youth ombudsman and advancing reforms after the tragic death of a 16-year-old in state custody. He has pushed for broader improvements in child welfare, hospital overstays, and protections for vulnerable youth.
• Veterans Support: Awarded Maryland Military Coalition Legislator of the Year (2024). He has sponsored bills benefiting veterans, including tax relief for military retirement income and preferences in hiring/promotions.
• Education and Families: Advocated strongly for in-person learning during COVID-19, supported special needs students (ARC Maryland Legislator of the Year, 2021), and backed parental choice and school safety measures.
• Public Safety and Values: As a former law enforcement officer (Marine MP), he supports law enforcement, Second Amendment rights (NRA-endorsed), and fiscally responsible policies. He helped save Harford County fireworks events and opposed tax increases.
• Community and Local Issues: Vocal advocate for Harford and Cecil Counties; involved in economic development, environmental stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay, and pro-business initiatives.

Griffith is praised for his conservative voting record (e.g., CPAC Award for Conservative Excellence), bipartisan work on child welfare, and dedication to constituents. His personal journey from foster care to public service underscores themes of resilience, service, and opportunity.

For more, visit his official campaign site (delegatemikegriffith.com), Maryland General Assembly page, or follow him on social media. He is running for re-election in 2026.

Michael A. Eckels Jr. is a Democratic candidate running in the June 23, 2026, primary for one of the two seats in Maryland House of Delegates District 35A (primarily Harford County, a strongly Republican-leaning area with an R+34 partisan lean).

He lists a PO Box in Bel Air, MD, and has a campaign committee called "Friends of Michael Eckels." Public records tie him to Harford County.

• Professional Experience: Limited public details available. LinkedIn profiles associated with the name show roles like Chief Operations Officer at Creator Source Studios Inc. and possible past involvement in ministry or education (e.g., Biblical studies). No extensive political, legislative, or high-profile professional record is readily apparent.
• Campaign Activity: He has a personal Facebook, YouTube channel, and campaign Facebook page where he has posted a campaign speech. He emphasizes community service and local issues in Harford County.
• Endorsements: Endorsed by Gun Sense Voter (a gun control/safety advocacy group aligned with Moms Demand Action).

Public information on Eckels is sparse—he appears to be a relatively low-profile first-time candidate with no major elected experience or extensive public service record. This could be framed critically as lacking the depth or proven leadership needed for a state legislative role in a complex district.

• District Mismatch: District 35A is heavily Republican territory. Running as a Democrat in a primary (alongside Gregory Anderson) in such a conservative area makes general election success unlikely without significant crossover appeal. Critics could argue this is more symbolic or disruptive than substantive.
• Gun Control Endorsement: In a rural/suburban district with strong 2nd Amendment support, the Gun Sense Voter endorsement could be portrayed negatively by opponents as out of touch with local priorities on public safety, hunting, and self-defense.
• Limited Visibility/Experience: Searches turn up minimal detailed biography, voting history, policy depth, or prior community leadership roles beyond basic campaign statements. Opponents might highlight this as inexperience or question his readiness compared to established local figures.
• No Major Scandals Found: Extensive searches for controversies, arrests, lawsuits, or criticisms specific to this Michael A. Eckels Jr. (of Bel Air/Harford) yielded nothing notable. (Note: There is an unrelated individual with a similar name involved in a serious crime, but that is a different person.) This absence could itself be spun as a lack of transparency or "unknown quantity" risk.

Overall, Eckels comes across as a low-information challenger in a tough district. A negative profile would likely focus on his lack of established credentials, potential policy misalignment on issues like guns, and the uphill battle in Republican-leaning Harford County. For the most current details, check his campaign Facebook/YouTube or local Harford County sources, as the primary is upcoming.