After such a long and exhausting election season, we needed to pause and sit with this reality for a moment before reaching out. For all of us who poured our hearts into this fight—canvassing, phone-banking, and advocating tirelessly—this is a tough outcome, and it’s okay to feel the weight of that deeply. We’ve taken a week to breathe and reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and today, we want to thank you for every ounce of energy, resilience, and heart you put into this work.

A grateful message to Maryland activists from Progressive Maryland Executive Director Larry Stafford Jr.

After a very discouraging national election outcome, Maryland progressives are rallying, minimizing their recuperative down-time to freshen up for the next struggle. The presence of Donald Trump, or at least a Trump-style regime, for four years is daunting but we have done this before. And if, as folks say, the Orange Menace knows more about making a mess of democracy than he knew the first time around -- well, we know more too. But enough of that -- we need to join in solidarity with other states in the resistance effort and shape up a shadow government that will achieve our goals at every level and across sectors. It won't be long before the all-too-many who bought into the MAGA fantasy find out that it's the corporate billionaires, not working people, who will reap the rewards. We need to be ready to welcome them back as they catch on to the grift. Get the information you need for the struggle in News You Can Use.

This year, Progressive Maryland left no stone unturned to secure one of the most consequential Senate victories in our state’s history. Angela Alsobrooks’ win to become Maryland’s first Black woman U.S. Senator is a victory not only for progress but for the protection of democracy itself. From the moment we stepped into this race over the summer, we knew we had a fight ahead. We couldn’t afford to sit this one out, not when the stakes were so high. With years of progressive gains on the line, we worked tirelessly to keep Maryland’s Senate seat blue and prevent a Hogan bid from threatening the progress Marylanders depend on.

Our campaign was relentless. Our staff, volunteers and vast network of allies statewide worked together like never before, sparking a movement that stretched across every community in Maryland. In a matter of months, we reached over 335,000 voters through our digital engagement and on-the-ground field operation. We knocked on over 100,000 doors, engaging voters in conversations about the importance of the Senate race and Angela Alsobrooks’ role in protecting Maryland’s future. We saw new faces, first-time volunteers who stepped up fearlessly to join us at our Days of Action, canvassing to get out the vote. Almost 100 Volunteers from all over the state signed up to phonebank with us, making thousands of calls and reaching voters from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore until the very last moment on Election Day. We called through over 60,000 voters during the 22 phone banks we held for the Senate race, bringing Marylanders together week after week to keep up the momentum. 

We spread the word about the dangers of a Hogan victory and how it would harm Maryland’s working families, making sure every Marylander understood what was at stake. We made clear our vision for a future where Angela Alsobrooks’ leadership could make a difference, from championing healthcare to advocating for workers’ rights. We mobilized every tool in our arsenal to protect the values that our communities hold dear.

Alsobrooks’ victory means Maryland will continue to have a champion in the Senate who understands the importance of protecting democracy and standing with working families. But as we celebrate this momentous win, we know that our fight isn’t over. In Washington, the Senate is facing a daunting GOP takeover, and while we are proud of what we’ve achieved, we remain hungry for what’s next. Our movement isn’t just about one election—it’s about building a future where progressive values thrive not just in Maryland, but nationwide.

As we continue to face tough battles, we’re determined to protect and defend these ideals for Marylanders and Americans alike. Angela Alsobrooks’ victory is just one chapter in a much larger story. And we are committed to continuing this work, advancing progressive change, and rallying the voices of Maryland to fight for a better, fairer nation.

Progressive Maryland’s ‘Save the Senate’ Operation Reaches Over 335,000 Voters Statewide, Securing Victory in a Landmark Election

Annapolis, Maryland –  Progressive Maryland celebrates a monumental victory as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has been elected to the U.S. Senate, marking a pivotal moment in Maryland’s history. As the largest independent expenditure campaign outside of the Alsobrooks campaign, we reached more than 335,000 voters across the state through extensive canvassing, phone banking, social media and community engagement.

With a commitment to defeating former Governor Larry Hogan, we ran a statewide paid canvassing operation. In addition, we led 14 Volunteer Canvassing Days of Action across Maryland’s key areas, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to reach tens of thousands of voters at their doors, engage them one-on-one, and rally communities to turn out for this historic race. We also held strategic phone banks persuading likely Hogan supporters to make the choice for Alsobrooks and ensured that likely supporters for Alsobrooks were making it to the polls. 

"Through our GOTV work and a powerful media push to highlight Hogan’s harmful past leadership decisions, we worked tirelessly to prevent him from taking this critical seat," said Christianne Marguerite, Communications Director at Progressive Maryland. "With op-eds, press conferences, and blog posts, we rallied public support to defeat a candidate whose record as governor consistently blocked essential progress for Maryland’s working families. Our anti-Hogan campaign underscored the stakes of this election, and we are proud of our success in ensuring that Maryland’s working families are now represented by someone who truly stands for our interests, not partisan ideology."

"With Angela Alsobrooks’ victory, we’ve made history and upheld the values that Marylanders care deeply about,” said Larry Stafford, Executive Director of Progressive Maryland. “Our team’s commitment to reaching voters in every corner of the state demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing, especially with so much on the line. This Senate seat is critical to the future of our democracy, and I couldn’t be prouder of our volunteers and supporters who made this possible. At Progressive Maryland, we’re not just supporting candidates; we’re continuing to shape the political landscape here in Maryland, amplifying the voices of working families and building a more just future for our state."

Alsobrooks’ win is a testament to the strength of our community-driven efforts and her election represents the values of a diverse and forward-thinking Maryland. As she heads to Washington, we at Progressive Maryland will continue advocating for policies that reflect our communities' needs and push for a fairer, more inclusive future for all Marylanders—even as we face new challenges with a GOP-controlled Senate.

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With Election Day just hours away, this is our final push to make sure Maryland voters turn out and make their voices heard. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a close race at the presidential level, a tight Senate race where we’re working to secure a win for Angela Alsobrooks, and critical ballot questions across the state, like Question A in Montgomery County, Question H in Baltimore City and Question 1 for all of Maryland. Each race and every measure can shape Maryland’s future and we need all hands on deck to make a difference!

Tonight, we’re hosting a Save the Senate Phonebank from 5 to 8pm. Join us to connect with voters and give this election all we’ve got. Click here to sign up. Together, we can be the deciding factor that drives turnout and defends our progressive values.

We’re wishing for the best possible outcome this election, but it all starts with what we do in these final hours. Read on for important updates, election tools, ways to get involved, and news you can use as we head into this pivotal moment.

Onward to victory,

The Progressive Maryland Team

We are ignoring Election Day, and we are sure you are too -- you have already voted early or by mail and you have already insured that your neighbors and community have a way and a plan to vote tomorrow if they haven't joined you in the Already Did It Club. Still, jitters abound and, yeah, maybe we are not so much ignoring Election Day as trying to stay calm about it. We start off with access to good advice about how to beat the jitters, and then move on to news about our state, about the other 49 states, and about the state of the country. Some of it is even not (directly) about Election Day. It's all News You Can Use.

As a resident of The Enclave apartment complex in Silver Spring, I've seen firsthand how vital it is to have leaders who show up for tenants like us—people who face serious issues with landlords and property managers. When our building had major issues with security, mold, pest infestations, and broken elevators, it was County Executive Marc Elrich and Councilmember Krisin Mink who came to listen and to fight alongside us. It was Senator Will Smith who has walked the halls with us in multiple buildings. That’s why I’m voting No on Question A. We need leaders with the time and experience to stand up for communities like mine, not politicians who come and go, with only two terms to barely learn our challenges.

Our fight at The Enclave wasn’t just about broken elevators or mold—it was about the safety and dignity of everyone living here. When our concerns went unheard for years, Marc Elrich, along with Councilmember Mink, Congressman Raskin and other officials, didn’t just make promises. They showed up in person, talked with us at press conferences, stood by our side during tenant meetings, and demanded accountability from our building’s management. I remember Marc looking directly at us, saying, “You have a right to be safe, and you have a right to get what you pay for in your rent.” For those of us who were there, this wasn’t just talk. He listened and worked to improve our lives, not because it was easy, but because he cared.

Question A, which seeks to shorten term limits, is not about improving governance—it’s a maneuver by developers and special interests to have more control over who represents us. These developers don’t want leaders who stand up to them; they want leaders who cater to them, plain and simple. And that’s exactly why they don’t want Marc Elrich around. They don’t like his pro-tenant policies or his willingness to stand up to big-money interests. This ballot question is being funded by these same groups, not by regular Montgomery County residents. They’re hoping that with shorter terms, our leaders won’t have the time to build expertise and that constant turnover will give them a foothold to push their profit-driven agendas.

We already voted for three-term limits in 2018, allowing our County Executive to build the experience necessary to tackle complex issues like housing and public safety. Changing this now doesn’t benefit the people of Montgomery County. It weakens our government and makes it harder for officials to advocate effectively for us, the residents. Issues like those we face at The Enclave—where our well-being and safety are on the line—need committed leaders who know the ropes, not politicians under pressure to pack up and leave just as they’re starting to understand our struggles.

When you vote on Question A, remember that you’re not just voting on term limits. You’re deciding whether our county should be led by those who represent our needs or by those backed by developers who don’t want tenants like us to have a voice. I urge all my neighbors to stand with me,  Marc Elrich, and the officials who’ve had our backs. Let’s vote No on Question A and keep Montgomery County in the hands of those who know it best and who are truly invested in its future.

With just one week until Election Day and early voting already underway, we are in the most pivotal phase of our election efforts. Early voting ends this Thursday, October 31st, so now is the time to make your voice heard and influence the decisions that will shape our future.

Don't breeze past these important ballot measures.

•   A crucial ballot measure on the table is Question 1, which seeks to safeguard the right to make personal reproductive decisions in Maryland’s Constitution. A YES vote on this question ensures that this fundamental right is protected for generations, regardless of political changes.
•   For Baltimore City Voters, Question H is an ultra-conservative initiative aimed at reducing the size of our city council, which would diminish the voting power of poor and working-class communities. Vote AGAINST Question H to ensure all voices from all our diverse districts are represented and heard. 
• For Montgomery County voters, Question A is attempting to put term limits in place for our county executive seat, however, we just set the new term limits in 2018 and it’s working well, so there is no need to change that. The Republicans who lost in the previous election are trying a back-door approach to gain power and we can’t let them! Vote AGAINST Question A. 

We have numerous opportunities for you to get involved in helping Get Out The Vote with us, from phonebanking to canvassing and more… Check the full list of our opportunities here or in the Election Section below. Your role is vital in defending our democracy this election.

Make sure to tune in today at 11 AM EDT for our live radio show on WPFW-FM’s 89.3, your station for jazz and justice. On this edition of Community Watch and Comment, Dave Rabin, along with you, our listeners, will be joined by Professor Matthew Taylor. He is the author of "The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy." This insightful discussion will delve into the implications of Christian nationalism and the significant threat it poses to American democracy. 

Stay informed with key updates on our issue campaigns and make sure to read our insightful blog posts, plus more in today’s memo. Together, let's make these final days count! Read on for more news and information about the home stretch.

In Solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team

As we enter the last full week of election frenzy, with the presidential plebiscite scheduled for a week from tomorrow, the persistent issues -- housing, health care, the shrinking inflation factor and robust employment numbers -- are obviously on our minds -- or were, if you were among the nearly 300,000 Maryland voters who hit the early-voting venues last Thursday and Friday (early voting ends this coming Thursday, that is to say Hallowe'en). NBC News reports 44,101,704 mail-in and early in-person votes cast nationally up to this point (Monday morning), which is just a ton. Keep your eyes on the numbers and on how the issues are framed by the candidates as Election Day itself approaches. Clearly, many millions of voters are taking steps to make sure that a bad break or two on Election Day itself doesn't keep their votes off the books. It's all News You Can Use.

With just about two weeks left until Election Day and Early Voting starting THIS Thursday, October 24th, we’re entering the most critical phase of our election efforts! There is so much to accomplish in these final days, from defending local and state races to voting on important ballot questions that will shape our future.

One of the key ballot measures is Question 1, which will protect the right to make personal reproductive decisions in Maryland’s Constitution. A YES vote means ensuring this right is protected for generations to come, no matter who’s in office.

There’s so much we need to accomplish in these next few days, and we can’t do it without you. From phonebanking to canvassing and everything in between, we have opportunities for everyone to help out. Later in the memo, you’ll find a full list of ways to get involved in our election efforts. There’s a role for you in defending our democracy this election season!

In other exciting news, don’t forget to mark your calendars for our next live radio show on November 19th at 11 AM on WPFW 89.3 FM! Last week, our Executive Director Larry Stafford Jr. had a great conversation with Janna Parker from Prince George’s Changemakers about their initiatives, including efforts to provide healthy food options for incarcerated people and a basic income pilot program. Watch the full interview here.

Keep reading for key updates on our issue campaigns and check out our News You Can Use section for important articles on the blog.

In solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team