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D Democratic · U.S. House 1, Maryland · Nov 3, 2026

Dan
Schwartz

Democratic nominee challenging Rep. Andy Harris in Maryland's 1st Congressional District in 2026

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
18
positions
11
endorsements
7
schwartzforcongress.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Bluesky(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Andy Harris R+ 1 more Compare race →

Background

Dan Schwartz is the 2026 Democratic nominee for Maryland's 1st Congressional District, challenging Republican incumbent Andy Harris in the November 3 general election. He has never held elected office. 7

Schwartz spent more than 14 years working in financial policy and consumer protection, most recently as Senior Director of Nonbank Supervision & Enforcement at the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), a role he left in April 2025 to run for Congress. His career began following the 2008 financial crisis, when he started working with state banking regulators and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 712

He holds a B.A. in political science from George Washington University and completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (Class of 2018). He lives with his wife in Bellevue, Maryland, in the Eastern Shore region of the district. 712

Schwartz won the Democratic primary and has received notable endorsements, including from former Republican Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. Commentators have described him as a credible challenger in what has historically been a heavily Republican district. 86

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. House · District 1, Maryland
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Website
schwartzforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 12
    debate
    Schwartz and Harris scheduled to debate at League of Women Voters forum in Cambridge on October 13

    Delmarva Now reported on October 12 that Schwartz and Harris were set to meet the following day at a League of Women Voters forum in Cambridge — described as their only scheduled head-to-head debate or forum — and explained how to watch it live.

    Andy Harris and Dan Schwartz debating soon. Here's how to watch live · Oct 12, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 11
    debate
    Seating announced as limited for October 13 Congressional Candidate & Dorchester Forum featuring Schwartz and Harris

    Ahead of the October 13 event, organizers noted seating was limited at the Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center in Cambridge, and that the forum would be available to watch live online.

    Seating limited for Oct. 13 Congressional Candidate & Dorchester Forum; watch live - NewsBreak · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 7
    news
    Opinion piece describes Schwartz's health care positions, including opposing Medicare and Medicaid cuts

    A supporter's opinion piece in Kent County News described Schwartz as favoring additional public-plan options in health care and opposing cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care programs, and SNAP. This was an advocate's account, not an official campaign statement.

    OPINION: On the road to change: elect Dan Schwartz for progress - NewsBreak · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 4
    news
    Schwartz reported to have raised ~$700K vs. Harris's ~$2.1M; state Democrats holding fundraisers

    The Banner reported Schwartz had raised approximately $700,000 compared to incumbent Andy Harris's roughly $2.1 million. State Democrats were holding fundraisers for Schwartz; the next FEC reports were due October 15.

    Hutzell: Dan Schwartz has a real chance to beat Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st District · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 4
    news
    Banner columnist argues Schwartz has a real chance to defeat Andy Harris in MD-01

    Rick Hutzell's Baltimore Banner column published October 4 argued that Schwartz had a genuine chance of flipping Maryland's 1st District, citing polling, fundraising trends, and campaign activity including more than 100 public events over 16 months and a rally of about 350 people near Harris's Bel Air office.

    Hutzell: Dan Schwartz has a real chance to beat Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st District · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 4
    poll
    Campaign poll shows Harris leading 52–39%, but Schwartz ahead 45–44% among 'informed voters'

    The Baltimore Banner reported that the only public polling was from Schwartz's own campaign, about two months old. It showed Harris leading 52% to 39% overall, but Schwartz ahead 45% to 44% in a scenario presented to 'informed voters,' with 9% undecided. The pollster and methodology were not identified.

    Hutzell: Dan Schwartz has a real chance to beat Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st District · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 4
    news
    Schwartz calls for overturning Citizens United and criticizes Harris's gas tax suspension proposal

    The Banner quoted Schwartz calling for overturning Citizens United and replacing 'never-ending wars' with better public healthcare. He also criticized Harris's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax, though the date of his specific social-media post on that topic was not given.

    Hutzell: Dan Schwartz has a real chance to beat Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st District · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 4
    endorsement
    Gov. Wes Moore's endorsement of Schwartz reported; congressional Democrats also campaigning for him

    The Baltimore Banner reported that Gov. Wes Moore had endorsed Schwartz and that congressional Democrats were actively campaigning for him, though specific dates for appearances were not given.

    Hutzell: Dan Schwartz has a real chance to beat Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st District · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 29
    endorsement
    Schwartz cites endorsements from Van Hollen, O'Malley, and Raskin at Oxford meeting

    At a meeting in Oxford reported by the Chestertown Spy on September 29, Schwartz indicated he had the support of Sen. Chris Van Hollen, former Gov. Martin O'Malley, and Rep. Jamie Raskin.

    Dan Schwartz—A Passionate Advocate for the Eastern Shore by Maria Grant - The Chestertown Spy · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 25
    news
    Commentary on Schwartz campaign published

    A My Daily Noise Substack piece published September 25 referenced Dan Schwartz's campaign in Maryland's 1st District.

    I Would Try to Save All Four. The Comments Did Not. · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 24
    news
    Schwartz campaign activity noted in Maryland state roundup

    Schwartz's congressional campaign was referenced in a Maryland Reporter state roundup published September 24.

    https://marylandreporter.com/2025/10/25/freedom-bank-wins-an-award-in-dubai/ - MarylandReporter.com · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 22
    news
    Schwartz interviewed about his congressional campaign on State Politics Substack

    An interview with Schwartz covered his candidacy, background, and policy positions in the race against Andy Harris.

    Post # 421 – Interview with Dan Schwartz, candidate for Congress in ... · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sep 21
    news
    Town halls by Schwartz and Harris take center stage in MD-01 race

    Coverage noted that town hall events by both Schwartz and Harris had become a focal point of the congressional campaign in Maryland's 1st District.

    In Maryland's 1st District, Schwartz and Harris town halls take center stage · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Sep 18
    news
    Profile piece examines Schwartz's Washington résumé as asset in MD-01 race

    A Substack profile reviewed Schwartz's D.C. background and how he was pitching it to voters in Maryland's 1st District.

    Dan Schwartz: A D.C. Résumé Asking Maryland's First to Fire Its ... · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Sep 15
    endorsement
    Talbot Spy publishes opinion piece arguing Schwartz should represent the Eastern Shore

    A Talbot Spy opinion piece made the case for Schwartz as a representative for the Eastern Shore, citing his background and positions.

    Why Dan Schwartz Makes Good Sense to Represent ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Sep 12
    news
    Dan Rodricks column asks whether Schwartz can flip Maryland's 1st District for Democrats

    A column published September 12 examined Schwartz's chances of defeating Republican incumbent Andy Harris in Maryland's 1st Congressional District.

    Can this Maryland Democrat flip the Big Red One? · Sep 12, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator official
    Listed by Schwartz's campaign. No individual endorsement date found. schwartzforcongress.com
  • Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Maryland House Speaker official
    Listed by Schwartz's campaign. No individual endorsement date found. schwartzforcongress.com
  • Jamie Raskin, U.S. Representative (MD-8) official
    Listed by Schwartz's campaign. No individual endorsement date found. schwartzforcongress.com
  • Wes Moore, Maryland Governor official
    Listed by Schwartz's campaign; a Baltimore Banner column published October 4, 2026 also reports Moore endorsed Schwartz in the primary. No individual endorsement date found. schwartzforcongress.com
  • Wayne Gilchrest, former U.S. Representative (MD-1) official
    Listed by Schwartz's campaign. No individual endorsement date found. schwartzforcongress.com
  • Sarah Elfreth, U.S. Representative (MD-3) official
    Listed by Schwartz's campaign. No individual endorsement date found. schwartzforcongress.com
  • Progressive Maryland organization
    Listed in Progressive Maryland's weekly memo of July 20, 2026 among general-election endorsements for Congressional District 1. progressivemaryland.org · Jul 20, 2026

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$695K
Spent
$623K
Cash on hand
$73K

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6MD01320(opens in a new tab)

Sources 18

  1. [1] Andy Harris and Dan Schwartz debating soon. Here's how to watch live(opens in a new tab) Oct 12, 2026
  2. [2] Seating limited for Oct. 13 Congressional Candidate & Dorchester Forum; watch live - NewsBreak(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  3. [3] OPINION: On the road to change: elect Dan Schwartz for progress - NewsBreak(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  4. [4] Hutzell: Dan Schwartz has a real chance to beat Andy Harris in Maryland’s 1st District(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  5. [5] Dan Schwartz—A Passionate Advocate for the Eastern Shore by Maria Grant - The Chestertown Spy(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  6. [6] I Would Try to Save All Four. The Comments Did Not.(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  7. [7] https://marylandreporter.com/2025/10/25/freedom-bank-wins-an-award-in-dubai/ - MarylandReporter.com(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  8. [8] Post # 421 – Interview with Dan Schwartz, candidate for Congress in ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
  9. [9] In Maryland's 1st District, Schwartz and Harris town halls take center stage(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  10. [10] Dan Schwartz: A D.C. Résumé Asking Maryland's First to Fire Its ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
  11. [11] Why Dan Schwartz Makes Good Sense to Represent ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
  12. [12] Can this Maryland Democrat flip the Big Red One?(opens in a new tab) Sep 12, 2026
  13. [13] The Challenge of Dan Schwartz in Quest to Unseat Eastern Shore ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 29, 2026
  14. [14] Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, July 20 ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 20, 2026
  15. [15] Harris, Schwartz oppose first district redraw - OC Today-Dispatch(opens in a new tab) Jul 16, 2026
  16. [16] Dan Schwartz for Congress(opens in a new tab) Jun 25, 2026
  17. [17] Maryland’s 1st Congressional District 2026 election candidate ...(opens in a new tab) May 20, 2026
  18. [18] Policy | Dan Schwartz for Congress(opens in a new tab) Dec 22, 2025
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