Top Maryland Democrat defeats progressive challenger in primary

6/27/2026

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson wins primary challenge in Baltimore See how the establishment favorite held his seat against progressive outsider Bobby LaPin

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson won a primary challenge from activist Bobby LaPin, also known online as “Captain Bobby,” in a race that drew unusual attention for a state legislative contest. LaPin, an Army veteran and charter boat owner, ran as a progressive outsider and criticized Ferguson as too establishment. He also said Ferguson blocked efforts to redraw Maryland’s congressional map, which would have targeted the state’s only Republican House seat. Ferguson won with 56.6% of the vote to LaPin’s 43.4% in Maryland Senate District 46, centered in Baltimore. The result makes it likely Ferguson will keep his seat in the deepblue district, where he has served since 2011 and has led the state Senate since 2020.