Press Release: Dec. 11, 2025

“Serving as Minority Leader is an honor and a responsibility I take seriously.”- Senator Steve Hershey

Senate Republicans Reelect Hershey and Ready to Caucus Leadership

Annapolis, MD.:

At its recent caucus meeting, the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus unanimously reelected Senator Steve Hershey (District 36, Upper Shore) as Senate Minority Leader and Senator Justin Ready (District 5, Carroll County) as Senate Minority Whip for the 2026 legislative session.

Hershey and Ready have served together in Senate leadership since 2022, steering the Republican Caucus through a period of historic fiscal challenges and mounting frustration among Marylanders over affordability, public safety, and government accountability.

“Serving as Minority Leader is an honor and a responsibility I take seriously,” Senator Hershey said. “I’m humbled by the continued trust of my colleagues and proud of the work we’ve done together to hold this administration accountable and give a voice to the millions of Marylanders who feel left behind by one-party rule. As we head into an election year, Senate Republicans remain focused on restoring balance and common sense in Annapolis.”

Senator Ready echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the caucus’s unity and determination.

“I’m grateful for the confidence of my fellow senators and proud to serve alongside Senator Hershey,” Ready said. “Maryland families are facing real challenges—rising costs, shrinking opportunities, and a government that’s growing faster than our economy. Our mission is clear: to fight for policies that make it easier to live, work, and build a future here in Maryland.”

As the General Assembly prepares for the upcoming special session and 2026 legislative session, Hershey and Ready said the Republican Caucus will continue pressing for solutions that make the state more affordable, improve transparency in government spending, and strengthen public safety.

“Senate Republicans have shown that principled leadership and practical solutions can make a difference, even in the minority,” Hershey added. “We’re ready to keep that fight going—because Marylanders deserve better.”