Who's running in Maryland's 8th congressional district
3 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.
3 candidates · ballot order · Jamie Raskin currently holds this seat
Low confidenceLow confidenceOnly one weak source, dated material, or indirect evidence. Treat specifics with caution.What would raise it: An official filing record and at least one independent report about this candidate would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Defending democracy and constitutional government.
Training and mobilising young Democratic organisers through Democracy Summer.
Progressive policy priorities as a member of the Democratic caucus's progressive wing.
Speaking out against antisemitism.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Maryland's 8th District since January 2017; sworn in for a fifth term in January 2025.
Maryland State Senate, 2007–2016.
Lead impeachment manager for the second impeachment of President Trump in 2021.
Former constitutional law professor at American University Washington College of Law.
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 92.7%.
Had $7.89 million in campaign cash as of June 30, 2026.
Arguments in favor
He founded Democracy Summer, backed by the DCCC, to train the next generation of organisers and leaders in the 'historical struggle for democratic freedom', building a movement for 'strong democracy and freedom in Maryland and all over America'.
— Jamie Raskin campaign site
Arguments against
By praising Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as 'an excellent candidate' and campaigning with him, he is 'openly supporting those that are antisemitic' while representing Maryland's largest Jewish community — and travelling out of state when 'we need you here'.
— Cheryl Riley, Republican opponent, to Fox45
What we couldn’t verify
Raskin's office did not respond to Fox45's request for comment on Riley's criticism.
No NRCC material naming Raskin in 2026 could be found.
Raskin did not complete the Baltimore Sun pre-primary questionnaire, so his 2026 platform in his own words was limited to his campaign site.
Whether Raskin will debate his opponents had not been reported.
Public safety and keeping violent criminals off the streets.
Pro-growth business policies that protect American workers and cut taxes, fees and regulation.
Sealed borders and 'America First' policy.
Expanded energy production to lower costs.
Parents' rights in education.
Opposing what she calls 'Democratic Socialism'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Public relations consultant; grew up in Montgomery County.
Republican nominee for Maryland's 8th District in 2024.
Won the June 23, 2026 Republican primary with 43.3% over Anita Cox, Donald Lech and Michael Yadeta.
Had $1,806 in campaign cash as of June 30, 2026.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
As a staunch constitutional conservative who grew up in Montgomery County and has watched families struggle, she will fight for sealed borders, lower energy costs and real education, with 'no more caving on core values'.
— Cheryl Riley campaign site
Arguments against
Her attacks on Raskin as a 'Marxist' and 'communist', and her description of El-Sayed as a 'radical Islamist', raised questions about inflammatory rhetoric; Riley acknowledged 'it does sound a little harsh'.
— Fox45 reporting, including Riley's own response
She had under $2,000 on hand at mid-year against an incumbent with nearly $7.9 million, in a district forecasters rate safe Democratic.
— Federal Election Commission filings; forecaster ratings
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Riley by Raskin's campaign or the DCCC could be found.
Whether she will debate Raskin had not been reported.
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; the Maryland Green Party chose its nominees in its own online primary in July. Three candidates are on the November ballot: Democratic incumbent Jamie Raskin, who won his primary with 92.7%; Republican Cheryl Riley, who won a four-way primary with 43.3%; and Green Party nominee Nancy Wallace. 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 much of Montgomery County and a sliver of Prince George's County. Forecasters rate it safe Democratic. As of June 30, 2026 Raskin had $7.89 million on hand and Riley $1,806.
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.