Senator Simonaire will not seek reelection in 2026

Senator Bryan Simonaire, a Republican from Anne Arundel, announced on Tuesday that he will not run for reelection next year. After serving five terms, Simonaire said it was time to spend more time with his family. He is completing his current term, which ends in 2026. Del. Nicholaus Kipke, also a Republican from Anne Arundel, has already filed to run for Simonaire's Senate seat. Kipke, who has served in the House of Delegates since Simonaire joined the Senate, submitted his candidacy a day before the announcement of Simonaire’s retirement. In another news development, a former aide to Senator William C. Smith Jr. pleaded guilty to stealing $20,000 in scholarships. Esther Dikongue misused her position to divert funds for her own education without applying for the awards. She will be sentenced in July. Additionally, the Senate confirmed Alverne “Chet” Chesterfield to the state Board of Education with a vote of 33-13. Some senators expressed concerns about Chesterfield's qualifications, while others supported his appointment based on his long career in education. On Maryland Day, a recently conducted poll revealed public opinions about what residents love most about the state. The survey found that 24% of people enjoy Maryland’s natural beauty, while 17% appreciate its diverse communities. The least favored aspects were government and politics, at 3%. Many Maryland residents expressed pride in their state's rich geography and culinary experiences.