How Do You Know Maryland Democrats Are Up for Re-Election?Easy   They Suddenly “Hate” New Taxes.

There are specific immutable laws of nature. The sun rises in the east. Crabs cost too much in Annapolis. And every four years in Maryland, Democrats discover, purely by coincidence, that raising taxes might not be a great idea right before an election.

That’s how you know the Governor and General Assembly are up for re-election.

Because suddenly, like a seasonal allergy, every Democrat in Annapolis develops a violent reaction to the phrase “new taxes.”

“No new taxes,” they say solemnly.
“No tax hikes,” they insist.
“Marylanders are already struggling,” they nod gravely, as if they just noticed the grocery bill for the first time since 2014.

It’s magical.

Governor Wes Moore, for example, has repeatedly assured Marylanders that his administration is focused on “being fiscally responsible” and that he doesn’t want to “raise taxes on working families.” That’s adorable. This is the same Wes Moore who presides over a state government that spends money like a sailor on shore leave and treats the Blueprint for Education like a blank check written on your checking account.

But hey, it’s an election cycle. So suddenly, the Governor is channeling his inner Calvin Coolidge.

Over in the House of Delegates, the transformation is even more dramatic.

Delegate David Moon, yes, that David Moon, has publicly emphasized that Democrats are not looking to impose broad tax increases and that they’re focused on “fairness” and “making government work better without burdening taxpayers.” Which is fascinating, because in non-election years, “fairness” usually means someone else pays more, and “not burdening taxpayers” means burying the tax inside a fee, surcharge, assessment, or regulatory fine, hoping no one notices.

But now? Oh no. Now they’re all wearing their No New Taxes costumes like it’s Halloween in February.

You can practically see the script:

ACT I: “We promise no new taxes.”
ACT II: “These aren’t taxes, they’re fees.”
ACT III: “Why are Republicans so mean for pointing out your electric bill doubled?”

And the timing is never suspicious. Ever.

Funny how this newfound fiscal restraint shows up right when voters start paying attention. Funny how it disappears immediately after Election Day, like a magician’s assistant who was never actually sawn in half.

Remember last time? Democrats swore they weren’t raising taxes… and then quietly raised gas taxes, vehicle fees, tolls, business fees, and energy costs. But hey technically they kept their promise, because they didn’t call them taxes. They called them investments. Or climate justice. Or equity. Or Blueprint Phase 97.

Same wallet impact. Nicer label.

The General Assembly plays along beautifully. Every Democrat suddenly becomes your fiscally conservative uncle at Thanksgiving.

“We’re being responsible.”
“We’re watching spending.”
“We understand kitchen-table economics.”

This is from a legislature that can’t see a problem without throwing money at it like confetti at a parade, preferably someone else’s money.

And don’t worry, they’re very serious about it, until the polls close.

Because the moment re-election is secured, the same folks who promised restraint will rediscover their true passion: taxing, spending, and lecturing you about why you’re selfish for noticing.

So if you’re wondering when Maryland Democrats are up for re-election, don’t check the calendar.

Just listen closely.

When Annapolis starts chanting “no new taxes” in unison, clutching their pearls and swearing fiscal discipline…

Congratulations.

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It’s campaign season.Ian Schwartz is a columnist for Direct Line Contact

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