Meet the Candidates: MD State Senate District 37

Salisbury, Md. – On Nov. 3, voters will choose between Republican State Sen. Johnny Mautz and Democrat Katie Clendaniel for Maryland’s 37th State Senate District, which encompasses all of Dorchester County and parts of Talbot, Caroline and Wicomico Counties.

Both candidates are Dorchester County natives and prioritize housing and a strong economy.

Mautz was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014 and, in 2022, was elected to the State Senate, where he serves as ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.

He said his top three priorities are bringing his constituents high speed broadband internet, health providers and energy solutions.

“There are a number of different innovations that are out there. But bringing those solutions, not just in Maryland but here to the Eastern Shore, are critical,” he said.

Clendaniel works in the nonprofit sector and has worked in nonprofits and local government over the last 20 years.

She says her top three priorities are economic development, environmental resiliency and filling gaps in doctor and teacher shortages.

“We have teacher shortages. [In] health care, we have doctor shortages, both in specialist and primary care here,” she said. “So, I’d like to see us build those incentives to fill those gaps.”

To address rising living costs, Mautz said they have to deal with energy costs. To address high costs of living, Clendaniel said investing in public transportation would benefit constituents.

Mautz said his approach as a legislator has been staying firm to his principles, regardless of party lines.

“My principles are a limited government, an accountable government, a transparent government and an efficient government, focusing on those principles and applying them to the Eastern Shore way of life,” he said. “That’s how I view all bills, all policies and all activities of our office.”

Clendaniel said her approach centers on listening to her neighbors’ experiences.

“A big part of my background is understanding people, understanding how they think under and understanding their lived experience,” she said.

Both candidates said they aim to work across the aisle to address voters’ needs.

“At no time will everyone agree on everything,” Mautz said. “However, we on the Eastern Shore have one thing in common. We’re all in this together. We are a rural community.”

Clendaniel said elected leaders should work to represent their entire district.

“I think that good representation starts with listening first and representing everybody who lives in your district, not just a segment,” she said.