ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — Maryland Delegate Todd Morgan says collaboration, fiscal restraint and protecting Southern Maryland’s interests remain key priorities as he seeks another term representing District 29C in Annapolis, according to a recent appearance on The BayNet’s podcast “Get Real With SOMD Politics” hosted by Chris Hill.
Morgan, a former three-term St. Mary’s County commissioner and current state delegate, said serving in Annapolis has proven much different than local government but remains work he values.
“I had always had aspirations to go up to Annapolis and run to be the delegate that represents 29C,” Morgan said. “I’ve really enjoyed my job up there … and so I decided to come back to do it again.”
District 29C spans portions of both St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, stretching from areas near Calvert Cliffs through southern St. Mary’s County.
According to his campaign website, Morgan’s platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth and preserving Southern Maryland’s quality of life.
From County Commissioner To State Delegate
Morgan served 12 years as a St. Mary’s County commissioner before being elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. He said local government and state government require different skill sets and approaches.
“It’s a different world,” Morgan said of Annapolis. “You are outnumbered. There are 102 Democrats and 39 Republicans. It takes 72 votes to pass a bill.”
Despite partisan differences, Morgan emphasized relationship-building and working collaboratively across committees and political lines.
“We try to look at the whole totality, and we’re not just focused on the piece of district that we represent,” Morgan said, referring to working alongside fellow delegates on broader St. Mary’s County issues.
Relationships Matter In Annapolis
Much of the interview centered on how legislation moves through Annapolis and why compromise is often necessary.
Morgan described early mornings, bipartisan breakfasts and long nights spent discussing bills and building trust among lawmakers.
“It’s as much about becoming likable … and getting to them as individuals and people,” Morgan said of working with legislators from other parts of Maryland.
He added that legislative success often requires accepting partial victories.
“Sometimes a half a loaf is better than no loaf,” Morgan said. “You have to learn to compromise.”
Housing Challenges Require Local Solutions
Housing affordability and supply shortages emerged as one of the most discussed issues during the interview.
Morgan argued state housing policy often centers on Maryland’s largest urban counties while overlooking rural communities like St. Mary’s and Calvert.
“The model that they come up with isn’t going to work,” Morgan said, referencing transit-oriented housing proposals common in larger jurisdictions. “We don’t have any rapid transit in Southern Maryland.”
He said future growth should be concentrated near existing infrastructure such as water and sewer systems while avoiding sprawling development patterns.
“We have to be able to build judiciously near those water and sewer lines,” Morgan said. “Our aquifers are drying up, and people don’t want to see sprawl.”
Morgan also advocated for housing options aimed at teachers, firefighters and young professionals entering the workforce.
“I think we have to find a better way to look out for our firemen, our teachers … and find ways to get things done,” he said.
Incentives For First-Time Homebuyers
Morgan discussed past local programs designed to assist first-time homebuyers and suggested similar efforts could help address affordability concerns today.
“We’ll give you $1,000 if you’re going to be a first-time homeowner,” Morgan said while describing former county incentive programs.
He said homeownership remains important because it encourages long-term investment in communities.
“If a person can own a house … it’s something they own and feel good about,” Morgan said.
Concern Over Future State Budgets
Toward the end of the discussion, Morgan raised concerns about Maryland’s fiscal outlook and potential pressure for future tax increases.
“When I started up there we had a $5 billion surplus,” Morgan said. “By the end of year three, we had $1.5 billion in new taxes and fees.”
He also pointed to future budget pressures tied to education spending under Maryland’s Blueprint for education reforms.
“There’s a $3 billion hole starting next year just for the budget on the Blueprint,” Morgan said.
Morgan said he remains opposed to additional tax increases.
“I’m not in the mood to raise taxes,” he said. “I never wanted to raise taxes, even as a commissioner.”
Encouraging Voter Participation
Closing the interview, Morgan urged residents to participate in elections and remain engaged in state issues affecting Southern Maryland.
“I think I’ve done a great job representing our community, not only as a commissioner but even more as a delegate,” Morgan said before asking voters for support.
He emphasized turnout during primary elections, encouraging residents to vote early, by mail or in person.
About Todd Morgan
According to his campaign website, Morgan is a longtime Southern Maryland resident, former St. Mary’s County commissioner and current Maryland delegate representing District 29C. His campaign priorities include economic growth, responsible spending, infrastructure, public safety and preserving the region’s rural character.
Watch the full interview below:
About Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics
The interview is part of The BayNet’s new candidate video podcast series, “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics,” which features conversations with Southern Maryland candidates running for county commissioner, state delegate and state senator.
Upcoming election coverage can be found at https://thebaynet.com/elections.
