Sarah Elfreth has won a second term representing Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican Bernard (Berney) Flowers in the 2026 general election. The Democrat's victory covers the district's Anne Arundel, Howard, and Carroll counties, where she has served since January 2025.
The race was called in Elfreth's favor by the Associated Press, as reported by WBFF. Both WTOP and The New York Times also reported that the Associated Press called the Third District for Elfreth. Her current term runs through January 3, 2027, meaning this election locks in representation for the district beyond that date.
Before facing Flowers in the general election, Elfreth first had to get past a crowded Democratic primary. She defeated fellow Democrats Austin Dyches, Jennifer Cross, Sean Hammond, and Robert Morrison to earn her spot on the general election ballot, according to the station's report.
A Campaign Built Around Bay Protection and Federal Workers
Elfreth's reelection bid centered on several themes. Per the same account, she built her campaign around bipartisan problem-solving, support for military families and federal workers, and environmental protection focused on the Chesapeake Bay.
Those priorities track with her record from her first term, during which she served on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Armed Services Committee. Before coming to Congress, Elfreth spent six years in the Maryland State Senate, where her campaign website states she passed 91 bipartisan bills into law. The article notes she is a graduate of both Towson University and Johns Hopkins University.
Co-Chairing a New Maritime Task Force
Beyond her congressional duties, Elfreth has taken on a role in state-level efforts to grow Maryland's maritime economy. In October, Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing the Maryland Maritime Task Force, which Elfreth is co-chairing alongside her congressional work.
The task force is intended to identify opportunities to expand the state's maritime industry and strengthen Maryland's broader economic competitiveness, the outlet reports. With her second term secured, Elfreth will carry that state-level initiative forward even as she returns to Washington to continue representing Anne Arundel, Howard, and Carroll counties through the next session of Congress.
