Maryland 8th District
Jamie Raskin (D) holds this seat and is running again. 3 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Jamie Raskin
Democrat · holds this seat today
FLiberty Score FOn the liberty side in 33 of 123 votes and bills.
Raised $9,316,434 since January 2025: 88% from people, 6% transfers and other income, 5% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Cheryl Riley
Republican · public relations executive, Republican nominee again
B-Liberty Score B-81 out of 100 across 4 principles. Graded on what Riley has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Riley.
Raised $22,354 since January 2025: 99% from people, 1% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Higher on Liberty Score: Cheryl Riley. Cheryl Riley: B-, 81 out of 100 from words and actions, with no votes in Congress to count. Jamie Raskin: F, 21 out of 100 from recorded votes.
Voting in Maryland: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Cheryl Riley, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Riley, so the grade above comes from this list: what Riley has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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In the same answers she said the U.S. must act decisively to remove the threat from the regime in Iran.
“when a hostile regime like Iran threatens us for over 4 decades through terrorism, proxies and nukes, we must act decisively to defend American lives and interests to finally remove the threat”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Backing decisive action to remove the threat from the regime in Iran is pressure on the regime, the with side of this measure.
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Answered no when asked whether she supports additional assistance for Ukraine's military, saying Americans come first.
“No. We must take care of our citizens and our country before we give any further funds, assistance elsewhere.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
Opposing more aid to Ukraine is against liberty on free nations.
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Asked whether the United States should speak out on civilian casualties in Gaza, she answered about problems at home and did not address Israel.
“I believe we should be focused on the casualties and numerous destructive crises we face here in our own country at this time.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
The words name no policy on Israel's defence, weapons or conduct, so they do not settle the measure.
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In her iVoterGuide answers she called the U.S.-Israel relationship strategically vital and Israel the strongest U.S. ally in the Middle East.
“Yes, the US-Israel relationship is strategically vital. They are our strongest ally in the Middle East.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Treating Israel as a close ally is the with side of this measure.
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Says her focus in Congress will be to keep communist policies out of American life.
“My focus in Congress will be to keep communist policies where they belong; in the history books”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Saying no to socialism is with liberty on free markets.
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Says she will push for pro-growth business policies and criticises Maryland leaders for taxing, fining and regulating businesses out of existence.
“our local and state leaders here in Maryland seem content to tax, fee, and regulate many businesses out of existence”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing heavy tax and regulation on business is with liberty on free markets.
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In the same answers she called for halting all immigration until those who came in illegally are removed.
“I advocate to halt all immigration until we remove those who came in illegally.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Removing those who entered illegally is enforcing the law and deporting those who break it, the with side of this measure.
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Says America First means sealed borders.
“America First means sealed borders, unleashed energy for jobs and lower costs here in Maryland”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Sealing the border is with liberty on borders.
Also on the ballot
Nancy Wallace (Green).
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
Who should win this race, and why?
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Discussion
Maryland 8th District
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