homestate maryland
By Ben Everidge for Thomas
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Photo Credit: Visit Maryland
maryland at the Crossroads: 10 Issues That Will Define the free State’s Future
“Maryland calls itself the Free State, but its future will depend on whether it can free itself from crime in Baltimore, gridlock in Annapolis, and the widening gap between wealthy suburbs and struggling communities.”
- Ben Everidge
Maryland sits at the intersection of history, politics, and geography. With Washington, D.C. at its doorstep and Baltimore as its industrial and cultural heart, the state reflects both national challenges and local tensions. Governor Wes Moore, the state’s first Black governor, has promised bold change, but he faces structural barriers, fiscal strains, and deep divides between wealthy suburbs and struggling communities. As the 2026 elections approach, Maryland will be judged on whether it can translate its promise into progress.
1. The Wes Moore Agenda and Political Expectations
Wes Moore entered office with historic momentum and a vision for economic equity, education reform, and civic renewal. His leadership is seen as a test of whether progressive ideals can deliver measurable results. The challenge: translating speeches into policies that improve daily life across Maryland. His success, or failure, will shape Democratic politics nationally as much as within the state.
2. Baltimore’s Future: Crime, Schools, and Economic Recovery
Baltimore remains Maryland’s greatest challenge and opportunity. Violent crime, failing schools, and economic disinvestment have weighed the city down for decades. Yet Baltimore also offers potential, with a strong port, proximity to D.C., and cultural vibrancy. Any statewide progress depends on Baltimore’s revival and whether leaders can finally break cycles of poverty and mistrust.
3. Transportation and Infrastructure
Maryland’s congested highways, aging bridges, and limited transit create daily frustrations. Delays and cost overruns have plagued projects like the Purple Line, while debates continue over highway expansion versus transit investment. With federal infrastructure dollars available, the state has a rare opportunity to modernize, but execution will determine whether it becomes a model or a boondoggle.
4. Chesapeake Bay and Environmental Stewardship
The Chesapeake Bay defines Maryland’s geography and economy, but pollution, agricultural runoff, and climate change pose significant threats to its survival. Billions have been invested in cleanup, yet progress remains fragile. Rising seas endanger Annapolis and Eastern Shore communities. Maryland’s environmental stewardship will serve as a litmus test for whether states can strike a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.
5. Housing Affordability and Suburban Growth
Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s counties are experiencing rapid growth, driving up housing prices and rents. Meanwhile, rural areas face stagnant property values and limited investment. The tension between expanding supply in suburbs and revitalizing small towns is central to Maryland’s future. Without affordable housing, the state risks losing young families and middle-class workers.
6. Healthcare Access and Inequities
Maryland’s unique “all-payer” healthcare model has helped stabilize hospital finances, but access and affordability remain uneven. Rural hospitals struggle, urban hospitals face overcrowding, and disparities persist along racial and economic lines. The state must confront whether its innovative model can be scaled to deliver accurate equity.
7. Education and Workforce Development
Maryland boasts some of the nation’s best schools and universities, yet it also faces sharp inequities. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan aims to address funding, early childhood education, and career readiness. Implementation will be expensive and politically fraught, but success could give Maryland a competitive advantage in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
8. Crime and Policing Reform
Public safety concerns extend beyond Baltimore. Suburban and rural counties are grappling with rising drug use, opioid overdoses, and concerns about policing standards. Balancing accountability with effective law enforcement remains a politically sensitive issue. Voters will demand results, not rhetoric, in keeping communities safe.
9. Economic Development and Tech Corridors
Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., gives it a strong federal contracting base, but the state is working to diversify its economy. Biotech, cybersecurity, and life sciences are rapidly growing industries, particularly along the I-270 corridor. The challenge is to ensure that growth extends beyond wealthy suburbs and strengthens the broader economy.
10. Independent Voters and Regional Divides
Maryland is also considered a deep-blue state, but independents and moderates play an increasingly important role in suburban swing counties. At the same time, regional divides between affluent Montgomery County, working-class Baltimore, and rural Western Maryland are becoming increasingly pronounced. Understanding these divisions and appealing to independents may be critical for long-term stability.
The Thomas Take
Maryland is a state of immense promise, yet it faces persistent divides. The success of Wes Moore’s leadership will hinge on whether Baltimore can be revived, whether the Chesapeake can be saved, and whether housing, healthcare, and education can be made equitable across regions. If Maryland delivers, it can be a national model for progressive governance. If not, it risks deepening the very inequities it seeks to overcome. For independents, Maryland offers a critical test of whether practical results can match bold ideas.
To learn more about Maryland’s issues, read: