State Senator in Legislative District 17, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Philip Cook — State Senator in Legislative District 17, Maryland

  Philip Cook is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Maryland State Senate to represent Legislative District 17. An accountant with eight years of professional experience, Cook has been a resident of Gaithersburg for six years. His campaign platform focuses on addressing rising housing costs and advocating for families, seniors, and immigrants in the Rockville and Gaithersburg communities. Cook’s background in politics includes volunteering on various campaigns and a 2021 candidacy for the Gaithersburg City Council. He is slated to compete in the Democratic primary scheduled for June 23, 2026. This bid for state senate marks his continued engagement in public service and local advocacy.

• Cheryl C. Kagan — State Senator in Legislative District 17, Maryland

  Cheryl C. Kagan is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party, serving as a Maryland State Senator for Legislative District 17 since 2015. Before her election to the Senate, she represented the same district in the Maryland House of Delegates for two terms, from 1995 to 2003. Within the Senate, Kagan holds the position of Vice Chair of the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Her legislative focus includes initiatives such as creating a statewide 3-1-1 system, bolstering the nonprofit sector, updating election laws, and strengthening consumer protections. Kagan holds a degree in political science from Vassar College and has also pursued studies at the University of Maryland's School of Public Affairs.

• Helene Meister — State Senator in Legislative District 17, Maryland

  Helene Meister is the Republican candidate for the Maryland State Senate in Legislative District 17. A French immigrant, she holds law degrees from universities in both France and the United States, including an LLM from the University of Virginia and a JD from American University. Her professional background is as a tax specialist, and she has volunteered her expertise to help families and underserved communities obtain tax relief. Meister previously ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 17 in 2022. Her platform focuses on reducing living costs and taxes for residents, supporting the growth of small businesses, and promoting job creation throughout the district.