State Senator in Legislative District 5, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Gary Foote — State Senator in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Gary Foote has declared his candidacy as a Democrat for the Maryland State Senate, aiming to represent the constituents of Legislative District 5. He currently serves as a member of the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee and has participated in local governmental working groups within Carroll County, providing him with relevant local experience. Foote's electoral journey includes a scheduled appearance in the Democratic primary on June 23, 2026. If he is successful in the primary, he is projected to face the Republican incumbent, Justin Ready, in the general election slated for November 3, 2026. This election will determine the next state senator for the district.

• Justin Ready — State Senator in Legislative District 5, Maryland

  Justin Ready is a Republican member of the Maryland State Senate, representing Legislative District 5. He was first appointed to the Senate in February 2015 and was subsequently elected to a full term in 2018. Within the Senate, he serves as the Minority Whip and is a member of the Finance Committee. Before his tenure in the Senate, Ready served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2011 until his 2015 appointment. His earlier career includes roles as a legislative aide and as the executive director for the Maryland Republican Party. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Ready holds an associate's degree from Carroll Community College and a bachelor's degree in political science from Salisbury University.