House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Michelle Ravert — House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

  Michelle Ravert is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 36. A 30-year resident of Chesapeake City, she has a diverse professional background, including 25 years in financial services as a vice president, and roles as a Managing Director of a Maryland State Agency, Legal Secretary for the Office of the Public Defender, and Parole & Probation Agent. She earned an Associate of Arts from Cecil College and is studying law at the University of Maryland Global Campus. With over 20 years of volunteer experience with the Boy and Girl Scouts in Cecil County, Ravert has also served on the boards of two local non-profits. Her campaign prioritizes representation for Cecil County and addressing energy costs.

• Crystal Woodward — House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

  Crystal Woodward is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Legislative District 36. Her political career includes prior campaigns for the same legislative position, reflecting a sustained interest in state-level public service. In addition to her pursuits in the state legislature, Woodward has also sought local office, running as a candidate for Queen Anne's County Judge of the Orphans' Court. Her engagement with the local political landscape is further demonstrated by her service as a board member on the Democratic Central Committee of Queen Anne's County. This background shows her consistent involvement in both state and local politics within her community.

• Nevin Crouse — House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

  Nevin Crouse is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Maryland House of Delegates, aiming to represent Legislative District 36. As a resident of Caroline County, Crouse is competing in the Democratic primary. He has demonstrated active engagement in local politics, including participation as a speaker at events such as a rally in Queen Anne's County. Crouse's campaign is part of a significant statewide initiative by the Maryland Democratic Party, which is fielding candidates in every state legislative race for the first time since 1974. The primary election is scheduled to take place on June 23, 2026, with the subsequent general election slated for November 3, 2026.

• Steve Arentz — House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

  Steve Arentz is a Republican politician serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for District 36, an office he has held since November 2013. The legislative district he represents includes Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's Counties. Prior to his tenure in the state legislature, Arentz was involved in local government, serving as the President of the Board of County Commissioners for Queen Anne's County from 2010 until 2013. His professional background includes experience as a small business owner, having previously owned and operated Hemingway's Restaurant and Lola's Sunset Grill in Stevensville. In the House of Delegates, his committee assignments have included the Economic Matters Committee and the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee.

• Jeff Ghrist — House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

  Jeff Ghrist is a Republican politician serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 36 since assuming office in 2015. In the legislature, he has been appointed to the Appropriations Committee. His career in public service began at the local level, where he was a member of the Caroline County Board of Commissioners from 2006 to 2014. During his tenure on the board, he was chosen to serve as its president for multiple terms. Before entering politics, Ghrist's professional experience included roles as a real estate agent and an assistant store manager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, which he earned from Salisbury University in 1997.

• Jay A. Jacobs — House of Delegates in Legislative District 36, Maryland

  Jay A. Jacobs is a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 36, which covers parts of Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's Counties. He was first sworn into office on January 12, 2011. Throughout his tenure in the House, Jacobs has served on the Environment and Transportation Committee. In addition to his committee assignments, he has held the position of House Republican Caucus Chair since 2013. Prior to his career in state politics, Jacobs gained extensive experience in local government, serving as the mayor of Rock Hall for over a decade, from 1999 to 2011. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, he is also the owner of a small business, Jay A. Jacobs Complete Kitchens and Baths, LLC.