Campaign Twitter
@katiefryhester
Campaign Phone
4106183422
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/katiefryhestermd9/
Only with guardrails. Data centers can bring jobs and local revenue, but we can not allow them to drive-up electric bills, strain water supplies and impact communities. We are already paying $10-$20/month more due to data center costs. I fought to pass legislation to ensure data centers pay a higher electricity price to cover the full cost of their energy - not Maryland households. The Utility RELIEF Act also increases transparency and encourages data centers to bring their own clean energy.
My priority is affordable, reliable power. Energy bills are too high due to increased demand and un-checked utility infrastructure projects. I’ve pushed for a regional price cap on capacity costs and for data centers to pay for their full energy impact. We must ensure strong oversight of utility rate cases and supplemental projects. This year I introduced SB 992 to strengthen oversight and tariffs for data centers and SB 2 to stop ratepayers from funding excessive utility salaries and bonuses.
Yes - public transportation is essential for jobs, safety, and quality of life. We need more practical options in District 9, like bus rapid transport. I’ve worked with MDOT on safer bike routes and continue pushing State Highway to improve safety at choke points on Rt. 32 and variable speed limits on Rt 70 based on weather concerns. I support funding to repair aging infrastructure and keep projects moving responsibly to shorten commutes and support economic growth.
Maryland must live within its means. My top priorities are protecting taxpayers, maintaining excellent schools, and funding essential public safety and services efficiently. I focus on controlling spending, eliminating waste, and growing the economy so we can meet our obligations to keep our communities safe and strong without placing unnecessary burdens on families, seniors, or small businesses.
Immigrants are valued community members: workers, business owners, and neighbors. We need comprehensive federal reform that provides a legal path to citizenship. At the same time, we can NOT tolerate unconstitutional law enforcement practices that create chaos and disruption through secrecy, intimidation, and inhumane conditions, like those at the Baltimore ICE holding center. I support policies that keep families safe, uphold the law, and allow immigrants to fully contribute to our economy.
Campaign Phone
4439793412
Campaign Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/BenHightower4MD
I support data center development with conditions. Maryland's grid is strained — we import 40% of our electricity at volatile prices. New facilities must not worsen grid instability or raise costs for ratepayers. Water and land use impacts must be reviewed at the county level, not dictated from Annapolis. Done right, data centers are a win. Done carelessly, they deepen our energy crisis.
Maryland families face a two-sided squeeze. The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 retired power plants before replacement capacity was ready, creating a supply gap driving prices up. BGE has exploited grid instability to push through rate increases families cannot absorb. I will oppose premature plant retirements, demand full transparency in BGE's rate-setting, and fight to expand Maryland's in-state energy generation while preserving our environment.
Public transportation works when built around real community needs, demonstrated ridership, and fiscal accountability. District 9 is primarily suburban, but seniors, veterans, and working families have real transit needs. I support locally driven investments like the Flash BRT extension. I will oppose Annapolis mandating one-size-fits-all transit spending without county input and a clear funding plan.
My three priorities: Energy — invest in in-state generation and block ratepayer cost-shifting. Public Safety and Mental Health — fund law enforcement recruitment and mental health services together; one strengthens the other. Business Climate — repeal the 3% IT tax, permanently kill the B2B services tax, and cut compliance costs that are driving businesses out of Maryland.
District 9's immigrant neighbors — business owners, engineers, and community builders — make us stronger. I will cut the red tape burdening immigrant entrepreneurs and expand economic opportunity for those who came here legally. I draw a clear line: I fully support legal immigration and oppose sanctuary policies that conflict with federal law. A fair system requires consistent enforcement.
