News: The Baltimore Sun 1-14-2026

“Affordability is something that all of our constituents are talking to us about every day.”

- Senator Steve Hershey, quoted in The Baltimore Sun

Affordability, Accountability, and Energy: Sen. Hershey Outlines GOP Vision for 2026

Annapolis, Md.:

On the eve of the 2026 Legislative Session, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey joined Republican leadership to unveil a unified agenda focused on the "kitchen-table" issues impacting Marylanders most. Facing a projected $1.4 billion budget shortfall, Senator Hershey is championing a three-pillar strategy: curbing the rising cost of living, restoring government oversight, and addressing the state’s looming energy crisis.

"We can pretty much get everything into those three categories," Senator Hershey told the Baltimore Sun. "But first and foremost, affordability is something that all of our constituents are talking to us about every day."

In a comprehensive preview of the session, Senator Hershey highlighted the urgent need to reassess major spending mandates, such as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, noting that the state cannot continue to ignore the gap between current revenue and the Blueprint's multi-billion dollar price tag.

2026 Legislative Focus Areas:

• Confronting the Deficit: Senator Hershey warns that delaying action on the $1.4 billion deficit will only lead to more painful choices in the future. He is calling for fiscal restraint that protects taxpayers from further rate and fee hikes.

• Energy Reliability: With utility bills rising, the Senator is pushing for an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy that expands in-state production and reduces reliance on expensive, out-of-state power sources.

• Structural Accountability: Following a series of troubling state audits, Hershey is advocating for increased oversight of state agencies to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively.

• Public Safety: The Senator remains committed to identifying and addressing gaps in the juvenile justice system to protect Maryland communities.

While Republicans navigate the session as the minority party, Senator Hershey remains a steadfast voice for moderation. "We don’t have the numbers in Annapolis, but we have a voice," the leadership team emphasized, vowing to use that voice to move the needle on behalf of Maryland's six and a half million residents. Read the full article in The Baltimore Sun:

Affordability, accountability, energy: Top issues for Maryland GOP in 2026