March 4th, 2026
District 36 Candidate Michele Ravert Talks Energy Costs, Representation, and In-District Voting
Cecil TV Interview – March 2, 2026
Democratic candidate Michele Ravert joined Cecil TV political correspondent Grant Handley to discuss her campaign for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 36, a four-county district that includes Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline counties.
Ravert told viewers her decision to enter politics followed a major life change during the COVID-19 pandemic. After losing her job in financial services, she returned to school at the University of Maryland Global Campus to study law and better understand how legislation works. She said the experience strengthened her desire to run for office and work to change state policy.
Among the key issues Ravert highlighted were energy costs and local representation. She noted that none of the current District 36 delegates are from Cecil County and said voters should consider the importance of having someone from the county representing them in Annapolis. She also pointed to rising energy costs across Maryland as a major concern and said she hopes to find ways to make energy more affordable for consumers.
Ravert also discussed her ongoing effort to bring in-district voting to Cecil County government. Through a petition drive, she is seeking to place a charter amendment on the 2026 ballot that would change how county council members are elected. Instead of all council seats being elected countywide, each district would elect its own representative. Ravert said the proposal is meant to create more balanced representation and allow communities to choose leaders who best reflect their local priorities.
The candidate acknowledged that gathering the required 7,245 signatures to put the measure on the ballot is a challenge but said organizers have begun collecting petitions. She added that the issue is not meant to be partisan and could open opportunities for independent or unaffiliated candidates to compete more effectively in local races.
Looking at the broader District 36 race, Ravert said many concerns across the Eastern Shore counties are similar, particularly frustration with legislation in Annapolis that can feel like a “one-size-fits-all” approach that does not always reflect the needs of rural communities. She said she hopes to serve as a voice for the Eastern Shore and ensure its perspectives are better represented in state policymaking.
Ravert will appear on the ballot in the November election as she seeks to win a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates.
