House of Delegates in Legislative District 35B, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Blessing T. Oluwadare — House of Delegates in Legislative District 35B, Maryland

  Blessing T. Oluwadare is a Democratic candidate running for the Maryland House of Delegates in Legislative District 35B. An Edgewood, Maryland resident and mother of three, she holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in Information Security and Assurances from Strayer University. Originally from Nigeria, Oluwadare became a United States citizen in 2012. Her diverse professional background includes experience as a teacher, makeup artist, newscaster, and musician. She previously ran for public office, seeking the Democratic nomination for Maryland's 1st Congressional District in 2024. Her legislative priorities focus on expanding economic growth, education, and job training.

• Erica Berge — House of Delegates in Legislative District 35B, Maryland

  Erica Berge is a Republican candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 35B. A lifelong resident of Cecil County, she is a community organizer known for her work on grassroots projects in Port Deposit. Berge describes her candidacy as a natural extension of her community-building efforts. Her campaign priorities are centered on strengthening public services, protecting agricultural and natural resources, and elevating civic groups. Although a lifelong resident, she spent 18 years away from the county while her husband served in the military, an experience she says broadened her perspective. Berge is challenging incumbent Kevin Hornberger in the Republican primary.

• Kevin B. Hornberger — House of Delegates in Legislative District 35B, Maryland

  Kevin B. Hornberger is a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 35B in Cecil County. He was first elected to the legislature in 2014, initially serving the constituents of District 35A before redistricting changed the designation to 35B in 2023. Demonstrating leadership within his caucus, Hornberger has held the position of Deputy Minority Whip since 2020. His legislative duties include serving as a member of the influential Ways and Means Committee. Before entering public service, Hornberger pursued a career in engineering. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of the District of Columbia. His professional experience includes a role as a facility manager for the Library of Congress and founding his own company, Blue Collar Engineering Inc. Hornberger was born in North East, Maryland.

• Derek J. Howell — Republican Central Committee in Cecil, Maryland

  Derek J. Howell is a Republican candidate running for the Maryland House of Delegates, aiming to represent District 35B. He has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming Republican primary election, which is scheduled to be held on June 23, 2026. Within the primary race, Howell is competing against two other candidates from his party for the nomination. His opponents are Kevin Hornberger, who is the incumbent delegate for the district, and fellow Republican challenger Erica Berge. The candidate who secures the Republican nomination in the primary will then advance to the general election, which is slated for November 3, 2026, to compete for the District 35B seat.