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Annapolis, MD — The three Republican Delegates representing Maryland’s District 36 — Delegate Steve Arentz (Queen Anne’s County), Delegate Jay Jacobs (Kent County), and Delegate Jeff Ghrist (Caroline County) — formally filed for reelection today, standing united in their commitment to deliver experienced and principled leadership for the Upper Eastern Shore.
The District 36 team — which also includes Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey — has long worked together to advance fiscal responsibility, economic growth, local infrastructure investment, and policies that protect the values and livelihoods of the Shore’s families and businesses. Their unified record reflects years of experience, collaboration, and dedication to the district’s four counties: Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s.
Delegate Steve Arentz underscored his focus on economic development and local business growth.
“The Eastern Shore deserves a team that knows how to deliver results,” Arentz said. “From championing small business growth to securing investments in local infrastructure, I’ve been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues in serving this district. I am running for reelection because there is more work to do to strengthen our economy and preserve our way of life.”
Delegate Jay Jacobs emphasized his long-standing commitment to protecting the Shore’s values.
“Representing the people of District 36 is the honor of a lifetime,” Jacobs said. “Our constituents expect us to fight for common sense, to push back against Annapolis overreach, and to ensure that rural Maryland is never forgotten. I am proud to run for reelection with my colleagues so we can continue to give the Upper Shore a strong and respected voice in the General Assembly.”
Delegate Jeff Ghrist highlighted the importance of working families and education.
“As a lifelong resident of the Shore, I know the challenges and opportunities facing our families, schools, and communities,” Ghrist said. “I am committed to making sure our children have a quality education, our communities remain safe, and our families can thrive without being crushed by taxes and regulations. Running as part of this team ensures we will continue delivering results for the people who sent us to Annapolis.”
Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey, who serves alongside the three Delegates, praised their record and offered his strong support for their reelection.
“Delegates Arentz, Jacobs, and Ghrist have proven themselves to be tireless advocates for the Eastern Shore. Their leadership, experience, and dedication are exactly what the Shore needs in Annapolis, and I wholeheartedly support their reelection,” Hershey said. “As for my own future, I remain in the process of working through an exploratory committee to assess the viability of a run for governor in 2026. I will make a final decision by the end of the year whether to pursue that path or to seek reelection to my Senate seat. Regardless of that decision, my full commitment to the people of District 36 — and my support for this team — will not waver.”
Together, the District 36 team pledged to continue their fight against higher taxes, defend individual liberties, and advance policies that make Maryland safer, more affordable, and more prosperous — especially for the rural and working families they represent.
