(The Center Square) – Maryland voters reelected their attorney general and comptroller Tuesday, giving both Democratic incumbents another four years overseeing the state’s legal matters and finances.
Attorney General Anthony Brown defeated Republican James B. Rutledge III, according to The Associated Press. Brown had 66.8% of the vote, compared with Rutledge’s 33.2%, in an AP update Tuesday night.
Comptroller Brooke Lierman won a second term against Republican Sonya Dunn, according to AP.
Brown was elected in 2022 after serving as Maryland’s lieutenant governor and a member of Congress.
Brown said his priorities include consumer protection, public safety, civil rights and environmental protection.
Rutledge, who has practiced law in Harford County for four decades, emphasized supporting prosecutors and law enforcement, strengthening cybercrime investigations and prosecuting environmental crimes affecting the Chesapeake Bay.
Both candidates supported efforts to reduce repeat offenses among young people. Brown favored restorative justice and diversion programs, while Rutledge said restorative justice can complement, but not replace, accountability.
The attorney general serves as Maryland’s chief legal officer, representing the state in legal matters and enforcing consumer protection and civil rights laws.
Lierman became the first woman elected Maryland comptroller in 2022 after serving eight years in the House of Delegates.
Lierman pointed to expanded tax assistance services and efforts to help residents access the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Dunn called for stronger oversight of state budgets and contracts and opposed the 2025 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act’s 2% capital gains surcharge on high earners and 3% tax on IT and data services.
The comptroller oversees state tax collection, issues refunds and helps estimate how much revenue Maryland will receive.
The comptroller also serves on the three-member Board of Public Works alongside the governor and state treasurer. The board approves major state contracts and other expenditures.