Whether it was the sky-high cost of gas and everything else, a costly war started by a leader who promised never to wage one, anger about a harsh immigration crackdown or disgust over a rhetoric of hate and division – the reasons why Americans swung away from the party that enabled President Donald Trump will be debated and discussed for years.

But swing away they did.

Nationally, Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, too, flipping seven Senate seats and overcoming the Republicans’ House redistricting efforts. In spite of massive spending by billionaires like Elon Musk, Democrats won seats that had been solidly Republican for decades from coast to coast.

In the longtime Democratic stronghold of Maryland, incumbents easily retained their seats, led by Gov. Wes Moore, who defeated Republican Dan Cox 62%-33%.

Also as expected, Julian E. Jones Jr. defeated the GOP’s Patrick Dyer 62%-37% to become Baltimore County’s first Black county executive.

Some blue team victories were more striking, like the defeat of Frederick County’s MAGA sheriff, Chuck Jenkins, by Democrat Karl Bickel. The Republican immigration hard-liner had held the position since 2006.

MAGA Inroads in the County

One exception to the Blue Wave was found on the Baltimore County Council as two fervent Trump Republicans were elected to the body last night.

In new District 9, MAGA stalwart Tim Fazenbaker defeated Turner Station activist Arkia A. Wade in new District 9 representing Rosedale, Dundalk and Edgemere.

Nino Mangione, sworn into the council last June upon the retirement of Wade Kach, beat Shawn McIntosh in District 5, which covers the northern county from Lutherville to the Pennsylvania line.

Combined with the unexpected victory of Republican Josh Sines in new District 8 (Middle River-Essex) and incumbent David Marks in District 7 (Fullerton-Perry Hall), Republicans will claim four of the nine seats on the new council.

Among the Democratic victors on the council are newcomers Paul Dongarra in District 1 (Halethorpe-Catonsville), Ruben Amaya in District 2 (Woodlawn, Randallstown), Makeda Scott in District 3 (Owings Mills-Greenwood) and Karson Kamenetz in District 4 (Pikesville-Ruxton).

Incumbent Mike Ertel retained his seat in District 6 (Towson-Parkville).

Democratic Shoo-Ins

In Baltimore City, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 10 to 1 margin, there were few competitive races and no surprises in an off-year election. (The mayor and city council next come up for a vote in 2028.)

Incumbents running unopposed yesterday were State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates, Clerk of the Circuit Court Xavier A. Conaway and Sheriff Sabrina Tapp-Harper. Register of Wills Belinda K. Conaway handily defeated Republican Andy Zipay.

There were no competitive races for members of the House of Delegates and the state Senate. All of the Democrats who won in the June primary cruised to victory yesterday, mostly unchallenged.

They include in the state Senate Antonio Hayes (40th), Malcolm P. Ruff (41st), Mary Washington (43rd), Cory V. McCray (45th) and Bill Ferguson (46th).

In the race to fill two open seats on the Baltimore School Board, incumbent Ashley Esposito will likely keep her seat. In the other contest, challenger Domonique Flowers appears likely to take the seat now held by Kwame’ Jamal Kenyatta-Bey.

Quietly Consequential Charter Changes

As is usual in Baltimore, City voters approved all the ballot questions, including bond issues for infrastructure improvements, schools, economic development and other purposes.

Voters also approved a number of charter amendments, including one that creates the Baltimore Baby Fund to help families with newborns. Money for fund would come from property taxes – $0.03 for every $100 in taxable property value.

The Maryland Child Alliance, which campaigned to get the question on the ballot, estimates that about $17 million would be set aside in the fund’s first year.

Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council will determine how the money will be spent under terms spelled out in the language of Question I, which was approved by voters by a margin of 71%-28%.

Approvals were somewhat less decisive for charter changes backed by City Council President Zeke Cohen and the Scott administration, including Question E, a contract bidding and award measure approved 63%-36.%

The City Charter, as now amended, no longer includes a competitive bidding requirement that material purchases, large-scale public works and other contracts be awarded to “the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.”

• Council advances three charter bills eliminating the competitive bid requirement and more (6/8/26)

The longstanding rule called for the formal advertising of contracts, which are open to companies with the capacity or track records to do the work and whose bids are publicly opened by the Board of Estimates.

Council members who supported the change argued that the existing practice often prioritized the lowest price over the best value or the most qualified vendor. How would the city, once low-bid prioritization is scrapped, ensure the wise spending of public funds? That will all be worked out, lawmakers promised.

Another charter change as part of Cohen’s package, pitched as improving government efficiency, was lengthy and dense Question F. Approved by a 64%-35% margin, it’s a laundry list of changes that have the effect of transferring power over the city’s fiscal practices to the mayor and executive-controlled departments.

The mayor already wields ultimate power over the five-member Board of Estimates by virtual of controlling three seats on it. This measure further consolidates fiscal clout in the executive branch.

It removes, for instance, the $1 million cap on money to be used by the mayor as “a contingent fund,” and it transfers to the Finance Director and the mayor-controlled Planning Commission advisory roles in budget discussions.

It was approved by voters 64%-35%.