State Senator in Legislative District 11, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Shelly L. Hettleman — State Senator in Legislative District 11, Maryland

  Shelly L. Hettleman is a Democratic State Senator representing Maryland's 11th Legislative District. First elected to the House of Delegates in 2014, she served in that capacity until her appointment to the State Senate in February 2020. As a senator, Hettleman serves on the Budget and Taxation Committee. Her sponsored legislation has addressed a range of issues, including student loan debt, protections for children and the elderly from abuse, and the expansion of contraceptive access. Prior to her time in elected office, she worked as a campaign manager for U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, directed a domestic violence program, and served as a legislative assistant to then-Congressman Cardin.

• Jim Simpson — State Senator in Legislative District 11, Maryland

  Jim Simpson is a Republican candidate running for the Maryland State Senate to represent Legislative District 11. The Republican primary is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Simpson's previous political experience includes running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 11B in 2022. He advanced from the Republican primary in that race before being defeated in the general election. In 2020, he was a candidate in the Republican primary for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District. Professionally, Simpson is a former economist and budget examiner for the White House Office of Management and Budget. He holds a Master of Arts in economics from the University of Delaware and is an author and investigative journalist.