Early voting will be held: Thursday, June 11, 2026 through Thursday, June 18, 2026
J. B. Jennings
Profile
J.B. Jennings (full name: Jonathan Bartlett Jennings) is a longtime Republican Maryland State Senator representing District 7 (covering parts of Baltimore and Harford Counties). He has served in the Maryland Senate since January 2011 and previously in the House of Delegates from 2003 to 2011. He is known as a dedicated public servant, farmer, small business owner, volunteer firefighter, and member of the Maryland Air National Guard.
Background and Personal Life
Born on March 27, 1974, in Baltimore, Jennings grew up in the area and attended Baltimore County Public Schools, graduating from Dulaney High School. He earned an Associate degree from Essex Community College (1995) and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore (1997).
He has deep roots in agriculture as a lifelong farmer (beef cattle and horses) and co-owner/president of The Mill of Hereford, Inc., a local farm feed and supply store serving Maryland farmers since 1998. He and his wife Michelle raise their two children (J.W. and Kate) on their family farm in Joppa, Maryland, emphasizing hard work, honesty, and community service.
Service and Leadership
Jennings embodies community commitment through multiple roles:
- Volunteer Firefighter and EMT: Joined the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 47) at age 16; holds advanced certifications as a firefighter, instructor, rescue technician, and more. He also served on the Maryland Forest Service’s wildfire crew.
- Military Service: Enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard in 2008 (currently Airman 1st Class in the cybersecurity unit). He was activated and missed a full legislative session in 2011 to serve at Robins Air Force Base.
- Early Political Experience: Worked as an intern, caseworker, and staff assistant for U.S. Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., building a reputation for responsive constituent service.
Legislative Career and Accomplishments
Jennings has built a strong record of leadership and fiscal responsibility:
- Senate Minority Leader (2014–2020): Earned respect for fair-minded, consensus-building leadership across party lines while advocating for business-friendly policies and against tax increases.
- Key Committee Roles: Serves on the Budget and Taxation Committee (including capital budget and health & human services subcommittees), Rules Committee, Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, and others. He previously served on Finance, Education/Health/Environmental Affairs, and various joint committees focused on spending affordability, veterans, and open government.
- Focus Areas:
- Fiscal Stewardship: Strong advocate for responsible budgeting, taxpayer protection, and transparency.
- Agriculture and Rural Issues: Supports farmers (e.g., raw milk sales legislation) and rural priorities in transportation and development.
- Public Safety and Veterans: Backed trauma care funding, school resource officers, and veterans’ scholarships.
- Education and Community: Worked on school funding, facility improvements, and local issues like school crowding.
He is praised as a dependable, principled leader who balances legislative duties with hands-on experience in business, farming, and emergency services. His diverse background helps him deliver practical results for District 7 residents.
Jennings maintains an active presence through his official website (jbjennings.com), where he shares updates on legislation, constituent services, and district news. He continues to serve with the same dedication that has defined his career for over two decades.
Bill Geibler
Profile
Bill Geibler (pronounced GUY-blur) is a Democratic candidate running in the June 23, 2026, primary for Maryland State Senate District 7 (covering parts of Harford and Baltimore counties). He faces incumbent Republican J.B. Jennings in the general election.
Professional Background
- Current role: Director of Marketing & Communications for the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Department of Catholic Schools and related initiatives (e.g., Catholic Review). He has over 20 years in marketing and communications, including agency and corporate roles.
- Prior experience: Marketing positions, including at Brown & Barron, LLC (a law firm handling nursing home negligence/elder care cases, where he authored blog posts on issues like inspection delays and resident safety).
- Education: Tulane University graduate. Lives in Fallston, MD.
Campaign Platform
On his site (geibler.org), he emphasizes:
- Advocating for everyday/working-class Marylanders in Harford/Baltimore counties.
- Equity and fairness for vulnerable/marginalized communities.
- Policies on health, prosperity, education, environmental sustainability, and future generations.
He has minimal campaign finance reported so far (under $1,000 raised/spent).
Negative Profile / Controversies
Public records, news searches, and social media checks (including targeted queries for scandals, lawsuits, complaints, or criticism) turn up no notable negative information, arrests, lawsuits against him, ethics issues, or public controversies.
- He is a relatively low-profile first-time candidate with a professional marketing background tied to Catholic education and elder care advocacy.
- No red flags appear in Ballotpedia, election filings, or general web results.
District 7 leans Republican, so Geibler is a long-shot challenger in the general. If you're seeking opposition research, this lack of dirt is itself noteworthy—his profile is clean and conventional for a down-ballot candidate. For the latest, check his campaign site or official filings closer to the primary.
Raj Goel
Profile
Raj Goel, MD, is the Republican nominee running for Maryland State Senate District 34 in the 2026 election.
He is a dedicated public servant with a strong background in medicine and community-focused economic development in Harford County, Maryland. Goel emphasizes practical, solutions-oriented leadership that prioritizes listening to residents, fostering opportunity, and putting Harford first.
Professional Background and Experience
- Medical Career: Goel holds an MD and previously worked as a urologist, including advanced training in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He stepped away from clinical practice about three years ago to devote himself fully to public service.
- Harford County Government Service: He serves as Deputy Director of the Harford County Office of Economic Development. In this role, he partners with businesses, nonprofits, and residents to drive job growth, attract responsible investment (especially in underserved areas), support workforce development, and promote civic engagement.
- Examples include contributing to updates on economic initiatives, hosting or supporting events like military appreciation luncheons and international delegations (e.g., Estonian educators visiting for workforce/STEM partnerships), and collaborating on local economic advisory efforts.
Campaign Focus and Values
Goel’s platform centers on "Putting Harford First" with common-sense solutions and measurable results. Key priorities include:
- Opportunity for All: Expanding mentoring, career exploration, college access, and workforce readiness programs so success doesn’t depend on zip code.
- Healthy Neighborhoods: Supporting small/local businesses, responsible investment, and stronger community partnerships.
- Accessible Leadership: Showing up consistently, listening to all voices (including those who feel overlooked), and delivering collaborative, practical problem-solving rather than partisanship.
He highlights real-world impact from his recent work: creating student opportunities in underserved communities, bringing businesses and growth to neglected areas, and facilitating respectful dialogues where residents feel heard.
Why He's Running
Goel decided to run after encouragement from the community and reflection on ongoing challenges. He positions himself as someone who has worked both inside and outside government, bringing proven experience to Annapolis to make government more responsive and effective for hardworking families in District 34 (which includes parts of Harford County).
His campaign is actively engaging voters through events, social media (@elect.raj.goel), and grassroots efforts, with support from local Republican groups like the Harford County GOP.
Overall, Raj Goel presents as a compassionate, experienced leader with a track record of bridging medicine, economic development, and community service—focused on tangible improvements in education access, economic vitality, and neighborhood strength for Harford County residents. For the latest updates, visit his campaign site at electgoel.com.
Mary-Dulany James
Profile
Mary-Dulany James (D) is a long-time Maryland legislator representing Senate District 34 (primarily Harford County, with parts of Cecil County). Born in 1960, she is the daughter of the late Maryland Senate President William S. James, a prominent Democrat. She served in the House of Delegates (District 34A) from 1999 to 2015, then won the Senate seat in 2022 after previous unsuccessful bids in 2014 and 2018.
Background and Political Style
James is often described as a moderate-to-conservative Democrat in a heavily Democratic state legislature. She has a family farm background, works as an attorney, and has positioned herself as attentive to local Harford County concerns. Critics, particularly from the right, view her as emblematic of entrenched Democratic family political dynasties and the broader Annapolis establishment that has contributed to Maryland's high taxes, spending, and loss of business competitiveness.
Key Criticisms and Negative Aspects
- Delayed Compliance with Anti-Sexual Harassment Training: In 2024, James was one of the last Maryland lawmakers (along with a Republican delegate) to complete required anti-sexual harassment training, despite years of legislative emphasis on the issue following past scandals. She and a small group missed multiple virtual sessions. While she stated she "takes this seriously," the delay drew attention as inconsistent with expectations for lawmakers.
- Voting Record Mixed on Democratic Priorities and Fiscal Issues:
- She has opposed some progressive bills, such as certain gun control measures (e.g., against the 2013 Firearm Safety Act), same-sex marriage in 2012, and some tax hikes or union expansions in earlier years.
- However, she has supported other spending and tax-related measures over her career, including switches on tax plans and energy surcharges. Critics tie long-serving Democrats like her to Maryland's structural budget deficits, high spending (e.g., Blueprint education funding), business flight, and credit rating concerns. Some conservative groups give her middling or low scores on fiscal restraint.
- In recent sessions, she has occasionally broken with Democrats on issues like immigration enforcement (e.g., votes related to 287(g) programs and the Community Trust Act) and policing, which some see as pragmatic but others view as insufficient pushback against the party's dominant leftward tilt.
- Tight, Contentious Elections and Attack Tactics: Her 2022 victory over Republican Christian Miele was extremely narrow (50.55% to 49.24%, a 591-vote margin). She accused Miele of being a "carpetbagger" for moving from Baltimore County. Earlier races against Bob Cassilly were also close losses. Opponents portray her as benefiting from heavy Democratic caucus funding and name recognition rather than broad appeal in a historically more competitive district.
- Campaign Finance and Establishment Ties: Like many legislators, she has received support from party committees, unions, and interest groups. Critics of Maryland politics broadly highlight lobbyist influence and donor access in Annapolis, though no major personal scandals stand out in public records. Her long tenure and family legacy fuel accusations of insider politics.
- Perceived Inconsistencies as a "Moderate": While she markets herself as independent (e.g., Blue Dog caucus ties in the past), detractors argue she ultimately supports the Democratic supermajority's agenda on big-ticket items like education funding and regulation, contributing to Maryland's challenges with affordability, out-migration, and economic competitiveness relative to other states.
Overall, negative profiles from conservative or anti-establishment perspectives emphasize her role in a one-party dominant system accused of fiscal mismanagement, her delayed ethics-related training, and reliance on political lineage over transformative change. Supporters highlight her local roots, constituent service, and occasional breaks from party orthodoxy. Public records show no major personal corruption or ethics violations, but she remains a reliable Democrat in a high-tax, high-spend state environment. For the most current voting details, check sources like Maryland Matters, Ballotpedia, or official legislative sites.
Blane H. Miller, III
Profile
Blane H. Miller III is a Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Sen. Mary-Dulany James in the June 23, 2026, Democratic primary for Maryland State Senate District 34 (Harford County).
Background and Career
- Born and raised in Havre de Grace, MD.
- U.S. Navy veteran (about 8 years, high-speed photographer and deep-water technical diver).
- CEO/owner of BH Miller Group, LLC (construction consulting/engineering firm founded ~2014).
- Previously served on the Harford County Republican Central Committee (around 2002).
He positions himself as a moderate or “not your typical Democrat,” emphasizing small business, veteran status, and community focus.
Electoral Record (Negative Highlights)
- 2022 Harford County Executive: Ran as a Democrat and lost decisively to Republican Bob Cassilly (35.6% to 64.1%). Harford is a competitive-to-Republican-leaning county, but this was a clear rejection.
- 2024 U.S. House MD-01: Won the Democratic primary (~61%) but lost the general election badly to incumbent Rep. Andy Harris (R) — roughly 37.5% to Harris’s strong majority in a Republican-leaning district.
- Now running for State Senate in a district currently held by a Democrat (James), facing an intra-party challenge.
Critics (especially conservatives) highlight his party switch from Republican (Central Committee service) to Democrat as opportunistic flip-flopping to pursue higher office in a changing political environment.
Campaign and Finance Notes
- Limited fundraising visibility in some races (e.g., reported $0 in one FEC summary for the congressional bid, though self-funding is mentioned elsewhere).
- No major public scandals, lawsuits, arrests, or ethics violations turned up in searches. Business and personal records appear routine for a small business owner/veteran.
Overall Negative Profile Summary
Miller comes across as a serial candidate with a weak electoral track record — consistent losses in winnable or targeted races, particularly in his home county. His party switch invites accusations of political expediency rather than principled conviction. While he has a clean personal background and veteran/small-business credentials, opponents can easily portray him as inexperienced in elected office, ineffective at winning broad support, and a perennial also-ran now trying again at the state level. In a Democratic primary, his moderate/self-described “atypical” positioning could also draw fire from more progressive voters or the incumbent’s established network.
Public info is relatively sparse beyond campaign bios and election results; no smoking-gun controversies emerged. For the most current attacks or defenses, check local Harford County forums, opponent materials, or his campaign site (votemiller4maryland34.com).
Jason C. Gallion
Additional Information
Jason C. Gallion is a dedicated Republican Maryland State Senator representing District 35 (covering parts of Harford and Cecil Counties). He has served since January 9, 2019, after winning a strong general election victory with about 67-68% of the vote.
Background and Personal Life
Born on February 10, 1977, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Gallion is a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from Havre de Grace High School (1995) and earned an Associate of Arts degree in political science from Harford Community College (1997).
He is a working farmer at Hopewell Farm, where he has raised dairy (1999–2004), and now focuses on beef cattle and hay. His roots in agriculture run deep—he helped his father raise beef cattle and worked on family dairy farms as a teen.
Gallion is a family man and man of faith: married with four children, active at Smith’s Chapel United Methodist Church (where he chaired the finance committee), and involved in his community. He has a long history of volunteer service, including as a longtime volunteer firefighter and life member of the Level Volunteer Fire Company (former chief and president).
Community Leadership
Before his Senate role, Gallion contributed through:
- Agricultural Specialist in Harford County Government.
- Service on the Economic Development Agricultural Advisory Board.
- Harford County Farm Bureau involvement.
- Roles on redistricting commissions and advisory boards for nutrient management, soil health, and more.
His campaign emphasizes Integrity, Professionalism, and Commitment, positioning him as “one of us” — a local farmer and community leader working for his neighbors.
Key Accomplishments and Priorities
- Agriculture Advocacy: Gallion has championed bills supporting farmers, such as allowing farm equipment on highways within a 25-mile radius and protecting traditional labels for milk and meat products. He serves on relevant committees and boards focused on farmland preservation, agro-ecology, and rural issues.
- Pro-Business Stance: In 2019, he was the only senator to earn a perfect 100% score on the Maryland Free Enterprise Foundation’s pro-business/pro-job growth scorecard.
- Education, Energy, and Environment: He serves on the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee and has worked on issues like school board appointments, land preservation, and balanced environmental policies that consider agricultural impacts.
- Public Service and Transparency: He has sponsored legislation on election integrity (e.g., voter ID), government ethics/fundraising reforms, and community-focused initiatives like scholarships for District 35 students.
- Second Amendment and Rural Values: As a strong advocate for farmers and gun rights, he has supported measures allowing farmers to manage crop-damaging wildlife and defended law-abiding citizens’ rights.
Gallion brings a practical, grounded perspective to Annapolis, drawing from real-world experience in farming, volunteer firefighting, and local government. His constituents value his accessibility, ethical standards, and focus on issues that matter most to rural and agricultural communities in District 35.
For more details, visit his official campaign site (jasongallion.com) or the Maryland General Assembly page. He is up for re-election and continues to serve actively on committees including the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics and agricultural preservation efforts.
Neil Jennings
Profile
Cornelius "Neil" Jennings Sr. (D) is a candidate in the Democratic primary for Maryland State Senate District 35 (Cecil County area, including Elkton). He was selected by the Cecil County Democratic Central Committee in March 2026 as the party's nominee after no other Democrat initially filed.
Background and Campaign
- Profile: U.S. Army veteran, logistician (currently CSS SATCOM ILS Manager at JANUS Research Group), youth mental health advocate (YMHFA), basketball coach, and community advocate. Baltimore-raised, now based in Elkton, MD (44 Goldspire Drive).
- Campaign: Very low-profile and underfunded. As of early April 2026 reports, he had raised and spent under $1,000. He positions himself as a non-career politician focused on youth issues and community needs. Active on Instagram (@kneeljennings) and Facebook.
- Context: District 35 is Republican-leaning; incumbent Sen. Jason Gallion (R) is favored in the general election. Jennings gives Democrats a presence in the race.
Negative Profile / Controversies
Publicly available information shows no major scandals, arrests, lawsuits, or controversies tied to this candidate. Searches across news, court records, social media, and background sources turned up nothing noteworthy. He appears to be a relatively new or low-visibility figure in Maryland politics with a focus on personal service (military, coaching, mental health).
Potential vulnerabilities:
- Extremely limited fundraising and name recognition outside local circles.
- Selected by committee rather than winning a contested primary (though no opposition emerged).
- Running in a tough district for Democrats.
- Recent Cecil College President's List mention (Spring 2025) suggests he may have been taking classes as a non-traditional student.
