TV: WMAR 2-11-2026

“I think largely this is being led by the governor and he’s got a vendetta against President Trump that he’s been taking out since we first got into session,” Hershey said."

-Senator Steve Hershey, quoted on WMAR-2 News

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey urges focus on Maryland priorities amid Democrat push targeting federal policies

Annapolis, MD.:

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey criticized the direction of the 2026 legislative session as Maryland Democrats advanced a series of bills aimed at countering policies from the Trump administration.

The legislation includes measures to restrict formal cooperation agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, allow Maryland residents to sue the federal government in state courts for alleged constitutional violations, and establish independent state vaccination standards separate from recent federal changes.

Democratic leaders have framed the bills as necessary protections for Marylanders. However, Hershey argued that the General Assembly’s focus should remain squarely on pressing state-level challenges.

“I think largely this is being led by the governor and he’s got a vendetta against President Trump that he’s been taking out since we first got into session,” Hershey said. “At the end of the day, all Marylanders believe that governor needs to focus on what’s going on here in the state.”

Hershey emphasized that Maryland families are facing significant concerns closer to home — including fiscal accountability, public safety, education performance, and economic pressures — and said legislative energy should prioritize those issues.

Debate over the proposals is expected to continue as Governor Wes Moore delivers his State of the State address and lawmakers move deeper into the session.

▶ Watch the full WMAR-2 News report and video coverage here:
Maryland Democrats push policies in response to the Trump administration