July 12th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Although the deadline to file to run for elected office in Maryland is more than 7 months away- speculation is already rampant in Allegany County- with a particular focus on the state senate seat currently held by George Edwards. Now 73, Edwards, a Republican, is currently serving in his 38th year in the General Assembly. He has talked openly in recent years about the possibility of retiring and he could make a decision as early as next month. If he does opt not to seek another term- there will be no shortage of potential interested candidates most notably Delegate Mike McKay and Allegany County Commissioner Jake Shade. In addition, the senator’s son Paul Edwards, a Garrett County Commissioner, has long been viewed as a possible successor. A Republican primary for the state senate seat featuring Mckay and Shade would create a compelling domino effect- with Mckay’s House 1C seat and Shade’s County Commissioners seat wide open in 2022. In addition to all four local state legislative seats and all three Allegany County Commissioners seats being up for election next year- the ballot will also include: three of the five board of education seats; the office of mayor and two city council positions in Cumberland; and Allegany County Sheriff.
