Harris and Schwartz Debated in Cambridge
The congressional candidates met at a public forum to discuss local issues and the impact of midcycle redistricting.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Elections
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Republican Representative Andy Harris and Democratic challenger Dan Schwartz participated in a public forum at the Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center in Cambridge. The candidates addressed the 1st District congressional race and their shared opposition to midcycle redistricting in Maryland.
Why it matters
The forum offered voters a chance to evaluate the candidates' stances on redistricting, a measure appearing on the ballot that could redraw the boundaries of the 1st District. A UMBC poll indicates that a majority of Maryland voters oppose this redistricting initiative.
A UMBC poll found that a majority of Maryland voters oppose the midcycle redistricting measure. This question will appear on the ballot for the 1st District, which is currently represented by Andy Harris as he seeks his ninth term.
The players
Andy Harris
He is the incumbent Republican Representative for Maryland's 1st District who was first elected in 2010.
Dan Schwartz
He is the Democratic candidate for the 1st District who previously worked as a consumer financial protection watchdog.
The details
Candidates discussed their platforms during the 90-minute forum, which was also broadcast to the public via Facebook and YouTube. The 1st District encompasses the Eastern Shore, Cecil, Harford, and parts of Baltimore County, with unaffiliated voters accounting for 1 in 5 residents.
Timeline
September 2026: Andy Harris requested that his colleagues suspend the federal gas tax.
October 13, 2026: The candidate forum was held at 6 p.m. at the Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center.
Political Context
Opponents of the Maryland midcycle redistricting measure argue that it creates instability in the 1st District by forcing frequent boundary shifts. They contend that congressional districts should maintain consistent geographic integrity to ensure that representatives remain accountable to their original constituent bases.
Voters in the 1st District will see the redistricting question on their upcoming ballot, which may affect future legislative representation. Residents can access the forum recording on Facebook or YouTube to review candidate positions before casting their votes.
The takeaway
Voters should review the details of the redistricting ballot measure to understand how it could specifically reshape their congressional district. Attending or watching local forums provides essential insights into how candidates Harris and Schwartz differ on policy and legislative priorities.
Further reading
For more on the congressional race and ballot measures, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
Do you support midcycle redrawing of congressional district boundaries in your state?
