The Maryland Forward Party: Reimagining Democracy, Starting in Montgomery County

March 19, 2025

Introduction

Montgomery County deserves a voting system as diverse and dynamic as its people—one that ensures every voice counts. The Maryland Forward Party, a new nonprofit political movement, is fighting for just that with HB 1094 in the 2025 legislative session. We’re a big-tent home for independent-minded Marylanders, breaking free from the two-party trap to deliver efficient, community-driven solutions. Here’s how we’re pushing for change in MoCo—and building a politics that works for everyone.

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Who We Are

The Maryland Forward Party isn’t your typical political outfit. We reject one-size-fits-all platforms, embracing Maryland’s rich diversity with nuanced, practical ideas. Our leadership reflects this: a near-even mix of registered Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. In our first election cycle (2024), we endorsed nine candidates, scoring wins with Janie Monier in Frederick and James Kole in Laurel. Now, with county teams in nearly a third of Maryland’s counties, we’re poised for rapid growth in 2025. Our mission? Solve problems without sidelining voters, champion efficient governance, and empower communities to shape their future—starting right here in MoCo.

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Legislative Session: HB 1094 Takes Center Stage

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly is our proving ground. We’ve tracked 40 bills, submitted testimony on 17, and are zeroing in on seven as Crossover Day (March 17) looms. Our flagship? HB 1094, “Montgomery County – Voting Methods MC 9-25.” This bill lets MoCo adopt Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) or Approval Voting for elections of the county executive, council, circuit court judges, State’s Attorney, register of wills, sheriff, and board of education. With RCV, voters rank candidates, ensuring broad support; Approval Voting lets you pick all you like, with the most approvals winning. MoCo’s ready. Rockville’s flirted with RCV for years, and Takoma Park’s used it successfully since 2007. The county’s history backs this shift: MoCo voters have long demanded fairer systems, with 2016’s charter review showing strong RCV interest. The delegation rallied behind 2019’s HB 624 unanimously, only to see it die in Ways and Means. Yet House leadership keeps stalling HB 1094. We’re pushing hard: estimated FY 2026 costs are $1.5 million (RCV) or $693,000 (Approval) for MoCo, plus $245,000 for the state (RCV only), with long-term savings. Picture this: RCV could cut MoCo’s nasty campaign mudslinging, fostering cooperation over division. Passage could spark a ripple effect, inspiring Frederick, Annapolis, and Hyattsville to follow. Our testimony, crafted with MoCo expert Andrew Messick, underscores this: it’s time to break the two-party chokehold and reflect MoCo’s true diversity.

HB 1094 Quick Facts

• What: RCV or Approval Voting for MoCo elections.
• Cost: $1.5M (RCV) or $693K (Approval) for MoCo; $245K state (RCV).
• Why: Fairer votes, less drama.

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Why Election Reform Matters in MoCo

Election reform is our heartbeat—especially in a county as vibrant as Montgomery. HB 1094’s RCV could ensure winners mirror MoCo’s broad electorate, not just party loyalists. Imagine the 2022 county executive race: RCV might’ve crowned a consensus champ, not a plurality victor. Take 2018’s council primaries: bitter partisan splits left half the county feeling unheard; RCV could’ve bridged that gap. Then there’s HB 1280, co-led with MoCo’s Delegate Lily Qi, tackling closed primaries. Over 100,000 unaffiliated MoCo voters—15% of the local total—deserve a say. Add special elections and smarter vacancy rules, and we’re building a nimble, inclusive system. These reforms cut polarization, boost cooperation, and position MoCo to lead Maryland’s democratic reset.

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Challenges and Opportunities

As a young movement, Annapolis is a grind—but our independence is our edge. Free from party-line baggage, we’ve built bridges—like partnering with Delegate Qi on HB 1280—and spoken boldly in testimony, swaying minds one committee at a time. It’s slow work, but we’re crafting solutions that put MoCo voters first. This freedom lets us lead coalitions and pitch ideas the duopoly won’t touch, proving a new party can punch above its weight.

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Looking Ahead

In 2025, we’re fueling four local RCV grassroots campaigns—MoCo included—and gearing up for municipal elections, with eyes on 2026’s state and congressional races. In MoCo, our RCV push is already rallying residents from Silver Spring to Bethesda, building a voter-led movement. Through focus groups, we’re engaging communities to shape local priorities for next year’s session. Our politics begin at home, and we’re ready to grow, adapting to whatever challenges and possibilities come next. MoCo’s leadership could redefine Maryland’s future—starting now.

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Conclusion

Montgomery County can spark a bold new era for Maryland voting, and the Maryland Forward Party is here to light the fuse. HB 1094—at risk of stalling in Ways and Means—is our first step toward a system that reflects all voices, not just the loudest. Join us:

• Advocate for RCV.
• Vote your values.

Visit marylandforwardparty.com to get involved.
MoCo’s moment is here—let’s seize it together!

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