The Politics Hour: Maryland's primary elections and the D.C. council reverses budget cuts
26 June 2026

The Politics Hour: Maryland's primary elections and the D.C. council reverses budget cuts

The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

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Marylanders voted in key primary elections this week for congressional seats, county executive, county council, state legislatures, state's attorney, and other local seats.

At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando appears poised to become the Democratic nominee to succeed Marc Elrich in the county's top role. The race was shaped by disagreements over data centers, taxes, and affordability. The race got contentious as major money poured into the contest. Councilmember Jawando joins the show to discuss his message to voters, his legislative priorities, and what comes next.

Interim Prince George's County State's Attorney Tara Jackson has secured the Democratic nomination to take on the job permanently. She explains the role of the county's top prosecutor, her approach to public safety, and the position's reputation as a springboard to higher office.

A week after the District's own history-making primaries, the D.C. Council approved its annual budget. Lawmakers voted to reverse major cuts proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser. But the District's financial future remains murky and sets up a confrontation with the chief financial officer. WAMU's D.C. politics reporter Alex Koma explains what's in and out of the budget, what it means for the next mayor, and why councilmembers finally agreed to fund semi-open primaries.

 Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

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