House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Alison Rudolph — House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Alison Rudolph is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Legislative District 5. Her professional career is grounded in accounting and operations, providing her with a strong foundation in financial management and strategic planning. She has held significant roles at prominent financial firms, including Collaborative Fund, a leading venture capital firm. Her experience also includes a position at HarbourVest Partners, a global private equity investment firm. Rudolph began her professional journey at PwC, one of the world's largest professional services networks. She is a graduate of Bucknell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and History. The primary election for this race is scheduled for June 23, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.

• Courtney Alexa Welch — House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Courtney Alexa Welch has officially declared her candidacy for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates, where she aims to represent the constituents of Legislative District 5. Running as a member of the Democratic party, Welch seeks to serve the community where she resides. Her registered address is located in the town of Sykesville, which is situated within the jurisdictional boundaries of Carroll County, Maryland. At this time, publicly accessible information regarding her specific background is limited. Official records and campaign disclosures that would typically outline a candidate's professional history, educational credentials, and specific political platform points have not been made widely available for public review.

• April R. Rose — House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  April R. Rose is a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Legislative District 5, which encompasses parts of Carroll and Frederick counties. She has served in the legislature since her appointment on March 16, 2015. In 2021, her Republican colleagues chose her to serve as the Assistant Minority Leader. An active member of her party, she previously served on the Carroll County Republican Central Committee. Before entering politics, Rose's professional background included work as an underwriter and a licensed real estate salesperson. A native of Salisbury, Maryland, she graduated from Arlington Baptist High School and later attended Villa Julie College.

• Sallie B. Taylor — House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Sallie B. Taylor is a Republican candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in Legislative District 5. A native of Maryland and a lifelong conservative Republican, she has lived in Carroll County for nearly 30 years with her husband, Sam, and their two daughters. Taylor's political experience includes serving as an elected member of the Republican Central Committee in Frederick County. For eighteen years, she held various senior staff positions for Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. She also served as chief of staff for Delegate Dan Cox during the 2020 and 2021 legislative sessions. Her campaign platform centers on protecting individual rights and advocating for local government control.

• Chris Tomlinson — House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Chris Tomlinson is a Republican politician serving in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 5, which encompasses parts of Carroll and Frederick Counties. He assumed office on January 11, 2023. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 29, 1986, Tomlinson is a graduate of North Carroll High School. He later earned a bachelor's degree in electronic media and film from Towson University. His professional background includes working as a contracts manager with the Maryland Transit Administration. Prior to his election, Tomlinson was active within the Republican Party, holding positions on the Carroll County Republican Central Committee and serving as the third vice chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.

• Steve Whisler — House of Delegates in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Steve Whisler is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 5. His public service includes over 20 years as a decorated Naval Cryptologic Officer in the U.S. Navy. In the private sector, he has held positions as a Principal Engineer at Northrop Grumman and as Vice President of a defense firm. A former educator, Whisler was elected to the Carroll County Board of Education, where he helps govern the 10th largest school system in Maryland. His campaign platform is based on conservative principles, including tax cuts, reduced government regulation, and support for law enforcement. He resides in Carroll County with his wife and their four sons.