Maryland Democrats have a goal of running in all 188 General Assembly races to increase their dominance in state politics. As part of the “Contest Every Seat” initiative, party officials like Steuart Pittman and Joe Francaviglia are actively recruiting candidates and providing support. The goal is not only to win more seats but also to build the party’s grassroots base.
Party officials said that building a strong local presence is key to attracting voters. They believe that offering a choice to voters will help the party gain new supporters. Despite facing resistance from some community activists, the Democrats are confident that their efforts will pay off in the long run.
The Maryland Democratic Party has already won more than two-thirds of seats in both the House and Senate. The governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, and attorney general all hold Democratic positions.
However, not everyone is impressed with the Democrats’ efforts. Republican lawmakers have dismissed the initiative as an attempt to “win” at all costs, rather than genuinely improving Marylanders’ lives. The Republican Party has its own “Seat By Seat” initiative to recruit candidates, but it appears that their strategy may be based on undermining Democratic victories rather than promoting a genuine grassroots movement.
In contrast, Democrats see the effort as a necessary step to build a stronger party and provide voters with more choices. As one Democrat said, “We’re not just looking for a win; we’re building a better future.”
Source: https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/maryland-democrats-candidate-recruitment-RUUBH2NAZJBOZMKZCQVDPJYMNA