Who's running in Maryland's 7th congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Kweisi Mfume currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Forcing votes on bipartisan bills such as the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to shield schools, churches and hospitals from ICE raids.
Freezing defence spending until the Pentagon passes an audit, and retracting new ICE funding.
Opposing binding budget caps that he says force cuts to essential programs.
Reasserting Congress's authority over tariffs.
Opposing National Guard deployments to Baltimore and protecting West Baltimore from Amtrak tunnel construction impacts.
Working across the aisle when it wins funding for Maryland.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative 1987–1996 and since May 2020; former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Former president and CEO of the NAACP; Baltimore City Council 1979–1986.
Ranking member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations.
Says he has brought nearly $55 million in community project funding to the district since 2020 and his office resolved 2,585 cases and returned over $6 million to constituents in 2025.
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 70.1% against Mark Conway.
Had $702,810 in campaign cash as of June 30, 2026.
Arguments in favor
'Everybody knows me. They know where I am on issues; they can usually count on me over and over and over again. As opposed to someone you don't know who does not have a track record… We just can't afford to take a chance right now.'
— Kweisi Mfume, to WJZ/CBS Baltimore
His office's constituent service — 2,585 cases resolved and more than $6 million returned in 2025 — is among the highest totals in Congress, and working relationships across the aisle have won infrastructure and project money for Baltimore.
— Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette voter guide
Arguments against
'As much as I admired him, I knew that something needed to change', and the people of Baltimore and Baltimore County he spoke to overwhelmingly agreed.
— Mark Conway, Democratic primary opponent, to WJZ/CBS Baltimore
What we couldn’t verify
No criticism of Mfume by Scott Collier or the NRCC could be found.
Conway's reported criticism of Mfume over AIPAC donations and votes on military aid to Israel could not be read in a primary source.
Whether Mfume will debate Collier had not been reported.
Turning the tide on crime, gangs and drug problems.
Fixing problems in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
Addressing economic problems and illegal immigration.
Ending food deserts in district communities.
Working closely with law enforcement.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Republican nominee for Maryland's 7th District in 2022 and 2024; lost to Mfume both times.
Community advocate.
Won the June 23, 2026 Republican primary unopposed.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
Neither his 2026 campaign website nor his earlier campaign site could be loaded; the positions listed were published on his earlier site and may not reflect updates.
No news coverage of his 2026 campaign and no published argument for or against his candidacy by a named party, group or outlet could be found.
He did not complete the Baltimore Sun pre-primary questionnaire in 2026, and his fundraising totals were not found.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Maryland held its primaries on June 23, 2026. Two candidates are on the November ballot: Democratic incumbent Kweisi Mfume, who beat Baltimore City Councilmember Mark Conway 70.1% to 24.5% in a primary built around generational change, and Republican Scott M. Collier, unopposed in his primary. The roster is confirmed against the Maryland State Board of Elections' 2026 general election candidate list, and candidates appear here in the order the Board lists them. The district covers most of Baltimore City and parts of Baltimore County. It is one of the most Democratic districts in the country, and forecasters rate it safe Democratic. Mfume had $702,810 on hand as of June 30, 2026.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Maryland ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Maryland State Board of Elections.