Democracy Dies in Darkness

After bitter loss in governor’s race, Md. Democrats face fraught party election

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November 30, 2018 at 5:31 p.m. EST
Kathleen Matthews, who is running for reelection as Democratic Party chair. Vote will be held on Saturday (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

Depending on which Democratic leader you ask, Maryland’s dominant political party is either fresh off some of its largest gains in years or flailing under division.

Those who are ecstatic cite the down-ballot victories in the recent midterms, in which Democrats picked up two county executive seats and eight seats in the House of Delegates. Those who are frustrated describe Ben Jealous’s 12-point loss to Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and the tepid support the former NAACP chief received from party leaders.