Dems Give Anderton a Free Pass, Will Not Field Candidate in 38B

The candidate filing deadline came and went on February 27, and no Democrats filed to provide an alternative to freshman delegate Carl Anderton, who represents a 55-39 Trump district on the lower Eastern Shore. District 38B, which contains Delmar, Fruitland, and about half of Salisbury, was represented by Democrat Norm Conway for over twenty years, until he was defeated 48-52 by Anderton in the 2014 wave. It was considered a top target for Democrats this year, but the lack of any opponents means that the election is already decided: Anderton will be re-elected unopposed in November.

The Wicomico County Central Committee, which could have designated a nominee up to a week after the filing deadline, was unable to find any candidates willing to take on Anderton. According to my source on the committee, Anderton is considered to by bipartisan and is supported by prominent local Democrats, including Salisbury mayor Jake Day.

It’s unfortunate that voters in this district won’t have a choice come November, especially in this key swing district. But the incumbent clearly has a broad base of support, and it sounds like the voters have the candidate they want right now.