Democrats Rally To Defeat Rep. Andy Harris’ Acolyte in Closely Contested Mayoral Race

Yesterday, Lajan Cephas was elected as the new mayor of Cambridge, Maryland, defeating Andrew Bradshaw in a runoff election. Cephas’ win marks a key first victory for Democrats following Donald Trump’s re-election, signaling a powerful rejection of the divisive politics associated with Trump-aligned Republicans in Maryland.

Bradshaw resigned two years ago after pleading guilty to multiple counts of distributing revenge ****. Despite the scandal, Bradshaw enjoyed significant Republican support thanks to the backing of Congressman Andy Harris, with whom he has enjoyed a close relationship.

“Congressman Andy Harris’ blind allegiance to Trump is pushing him further and further out of step with Marylanders and out of touch with their needs,” said Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director Karen Darkes. “As he sacrifices Maryland’s priorities in Washington instead of bringing resources to the 1st district and the state, the back-to-back losses for his handpicked candidates at home should hopefully send the message that his Maryland constituents expect him to stand up for them, not sell them out.”

The Maryland Democratic Party leveraged its infrastructure to support Cephas’ campaign, including emails and texts that ultimately recruited over 40 volunteers and bolstered the ongoing efforts by the Dorchester County Democratic Central Committee.

Cephas ultimately overcame Harris’ endorsement of her opponent and clinched 53% of the vote in her bid to succeed Mayor Stephen Rideout, who was elected in a 2022 special election following Bradshaw’s resignation but opted not to run for a full term this year.

Cephas’ win delivers another sharp rebuke to Congressman Harris as his failed push for Bradshaw mirrors his support for Neil Parrott, another controversial Republican whose high-profile campaign also ended in defeat despite significant support from the GOP leader.