Lierman and Dunn to Compete for Maryland Comptroller
Incumbent Brooke Lierman faces challenger Sonya Dunn in the November 2026 election for the state's top tax official role.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Taxes
Live Poll
Should the state prioritize aggressive enforcement actions to collect unpaid taxes from individuals?
Incumbent Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Republican challenger Sonya Dunn are set to face off in the November 3, 2026, election. The race focuses on the office's ongoing efforts to modernize technology and collect unpaid state taxes.
Why it matters
The comptroller manages Maryland's state tax systems and critical fiscal programs, making this election a decisive factor in future tax enforcement and outreach efforts. The outcome will determine whether the state continues its current trajectory of digital modernization or shifts toward new operational management.
Outstanding individual tax debt in Maryland rose to $1.58 billion in 2025, while Earned Income Tax Credit participation climbed from 84.2% in 2023 to 86% in 2026. An audit recently identified 1,900 individuals who failed to pay $25.5 million despite earning $280.7 million.
The players
Brooke Lierman
She is the incumbent Maryland Comptroller who was first elected to the position in 2022.
Sonya Dunn
She is the Republican nominee for Maryland Comptroller running on an IT and operations management background.
The details
The comptroller's office has completed over 100 IT modernization projects since 2023, including the launch of the Maryland Tax Connect website in September 2026. Officials utilize data scraping to detect unreported income from platforms like Airbnb and NFTs while using Motor Vehicle Administration penalties to enforce compliance.
Timeline
September 2026: Maryland launched the upgraded Maryland Tax Connect website.
November 3, 2026: Maryland voters will cast ballots in the comptroller election.
Market Dynamics
The candidates represent opposing views on how to manage the administration and participation goals of the Earned Income Tax Credit program. This reflects a broader debate on whether state agencies should prioritize aggressive tax enforcement or expanded social program outreach.
The winner of this election will directly influence tax compliance enforcement and potential penalties for unpaid state taxes. Taxpayers may also see changes in how they interact with the state's digital systems and their ability to claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
The takeaway
Maryland's fiscal administration is currently undergoing significant digital updates designed to increase both tax collection and credit program participation. Voters must decide if they prefer the current management's path or a change in operational leadership.
What happens next
Maryland voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the winner of the comptroller race.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's fiscal landscape in the Maryland Taxes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maryland Matters.
Live Poll
Should the state prioritize aggressive enforcement actions to collect unpaid taxes from individuals?
