‍Congratulations may be in order for (selected) Senator Carl Jackson.

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‍While most politicians struggle to win over their own party, Jackson has managed to earn praise from Republicans, attract Republican campaign donations, and rack up compliments from members of the Maryland Freedom Caucus. At this rate, someone may want to check whether his voter registration card accidentally got switched at the MVA.

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‍The only question is whether District 8 (s)elected a Democrat—or one who's become surprisingly popular with the other team. Before you decide, let's look at the record.

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‍Politics is full of surprises, but selected-Sen. Carl Jackson may have discovered a whole new way to bring people together. Jackson teamed up with Republicans Del. Ryan Nawrocki and Councilman David Marks to introduce legislation giving Baltimore County's Office of the Inspector General expanded authority to investigate the Baltimore County Public Schools budget in search of waste, fraud, and abuse. Supporters called it accountability. Critics saw it as dangerous to the power of the Teachers Union. This author labeled this effort nothing more than a “permission slip”. When you've managed to confuse both parties, you've either found the political sweet spot...or taken a wrong turn somewhere off I-695. Efforts by this author and others helped defeat this bill before it could get to committee, as it was weak, ineffective, and would not provide accountable oversight.

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‍He has also enjoined his vote with the MAGA-heavy Maryland Freedom Caucus by voting against the Community Trust Act (which decouples state and local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement); and the various forms of the Juvenile Justice Act, the most recent iteration of it, which would allow juvenile automatic charging.

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‍It's no surprise that many party Democrats—and more than a few independent voters—are asking whether District 8 got the Democrat they thought they were (s)electing. That's especially noteworthy because Jackson wasn't first sent to Annapolis by the voters. He was chosen twice by Democratic insiders to fill legislative vacancies: first replacing Eric Bromwell in the House of Delegates and later Kathy Klausmeier in the Senate, even though Del. Harry Bhandari was the top vote getter in the District 8 race for Delegate. Perhaps those appointments instilled a healthy sense of independence….or perhaps they've left some constituents wondering whether their opinions are now treated as helpful suggestions rather than marching orders. Either way, the questions aren't going away—and neither is the public record.

‍Maryland Freedom Caucus

‍If you listen closely, you can hear the Freedom Caucus whispering Carl Jackson’s name. He’s their favorite 'unofficial' member; they just haven't managed to convince him to join their little echo chamber—yet. They seem hungry for that State Senator title—they just don't know how to tell him it would make them look significantly less like an exclusive club of amateurs.

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‍Ryan Nawrocki

‍In referring to SB 15 / HB 89 (2026) - Allow Baltimore County Council’s OIG oversight of the county school budget:

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‍“Senator Jackson and I worked really hard on that bill. Senator Jackson, as you're right, is one of the few Democrats in Annapolis that will buck the party and do the right thing. And we worked really hard on that bill. It did not move. Unfortunately, the school system in Baltimore County, those at the top, I should say, of the school system, appear to have a tremendous amount of ability to stop good legislation like this. I can't understand why the superintendent's office or anyone else would want to hinder having more oversight inside of the system. I'll leave that up to you and the listeners to kind of figure out why that might be. I have my suspicions, but I don't understand why you would not want more oversight. But Senator Jackson and I are going to reintroduce that bill next year.” - Ryan Nawrocki on The The Kim Klacik Show, April 20, 2026

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‍While Jackson tried to play the part of the bold rebel, his own party wasn't buying the performance and kept the bill firmly out of committee. MAGA Republicans, however, were all too eager to play along, enthusiastically applauding and amplifying his efforts as a win for their side. A victory lap without entering the race.

‍Kathy Szeliga

‍In an April 2026 public statement on bipartisan “cocktails-to-go” legislation, Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga said: “Senator Jackson and I have been working with our terrific local restaurants to help them respond to customer demand.” The statement credits Jackson as her partner in advancing SB 72/HB 121, which made carryout cocktails permanent in Baltimore County. - East County Times and The BayNet.

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‍“They also worked on prior versions of the same issue, with Szeliga publicly describing it as a “really reasonable practice.” - CBS coverage republished by the Virginia Spirits Association.

What a great idea…just the thing for the drunk-on-the-go.

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‍So, if you’re wondering where Jackson’s true loyalties lie, just look at his cozy partnership with the Freedom Caucus. He doesn't wear the badge in public, but when it comes to pushing their agenda—even something as "reasonable" as cocktails-to-go—he’s right there in the trenches with them. At this point, the only thing "bipartisan" about Jackson is the disguise he uses to hide his Freedom Caucus membership.

‍MAGA and Freedom Caucus members Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki are officially Carl Jackson’s biggest fans—they’re now ignoring their own districts to hype up a jewelry store in a high-theft area. It’s a touching scene, considering the store is sitting in the same shopping center where Grocery Outlet used to be (and near a Giant Food that just closed as well). I mean, who needs food when you have bling?

‍David Marks

‍Carl Jackson’s political compass points straight toward "David Marks’s Biggest Groupie." While he, on crucial issues, ignores his own party, he’s busy being Marks's #1 stan. From the Facebook fan-girling to that "buddy-buddy" 2022 Honeygo Park hug where Carl called Marks his "favorite Councilman,” it’s clear where his loyalties lie. It’s not just a friendship; it’s a masterclass in choosing the wrong team.

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Senator Carl Jackson with David Marks at the White Marsh Primary Care Clinic opening, where he asked 'Do you take all the insurances?' Is he trying to remember if that’s a Democrat question or a Republican one? He’s still figuring out which side of the aisle he actually belongs.

As for Marks, he is betting the house on the delusion that his towering narcissism is some kind of electoral superpower—a "cheat code" he can simply hand over to Carl Jackson. It’s a bold strategy for a man currently fighting a desperate, losing battle to stop his own office from being erased in November. In the end, it’s just a political masquerade: Jackson is cosplaying as a Democrat, and Marks is cosplaying as a Republican. How very convenient for both of them.

Sen. Steve Hershey

“Hershey also noted that some Democrats — from what would be considered more purple districts — joined Republicans on a number of amendments. Included on that list were Anne Arundel County Democratic Sens. Dawn Gile and Shaneka Henson, Katie Fry Hester (D-Montgomery and Howard), Carl Jackson (D-Baltimore County) and Mary-Dulany James (Harford).” - News From the States, Mar. 31, 2025

‍The other ‘Pay to Play’-ers

‍Kathi Smero

‍Kathi Smero is no stranger to the Party, mostly because she’s mastered the art of holding titles while contributing absolutely nothing—specifically, she never so much as raised a dime during her tenure as Maryland State GOP 2nd Vice-Chair. Carl Jackson, ever the obedient puppet, is thrilled to welcome her into a fold that is essentially a hollow shell: funded by Sullivan’s checkbook and fueled by the noise of "Republicans" who lack both a backbone (and a point).

‍Carl Jackson, the “principled Democrat” who pretends to refuse to work with Republicans…except when he’s got his arm around Deb Sullivan and playing kissy-kissy with Kathi Smero at his own birthday fundraiser.

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‍Deb Sullivan

‍Meet Sullivan—better known as “Smero’s little shadow.” She loves to play hide-and-seek behind Kathi Smero in the background, but she’s very visible when it comes to funding Carl Jackson. Because nothing says “devout Republican” quite like bankrolling a Democrat... unless, of course, that Democrat is actually a MAGA Republican in a very convincing costume. As a member of the BCRCC, Sullivan used Sullivan & Sons, Inc. as well as personal funds to keep Jackson afloat—a move that conveniently ignores the BCRCC bylaws. But why worry about the rules when the Ethics Subcommittee is happy to give her a pass? It seems the entire BCRCC is totally in the tank for Jackson. He isn’t “reaching across the aisle”; he’s just the GOP’s favorite sleeper agent. They aren't paying for a “seat at the table”—they're paying for their own man to hold the chair.``

‍Al and Steve Redmer

‍Is it any coincidence that Al Redmer (Republican, former Delegate and Insurance Commissioner under Gov. Hogan) and the Fire Fighters PAC funneled money to Carl Jackson on the exact same day? Perhaps. But it’s hard to believe it when the head of the Firefighters Union is Al’s son, Steve Redmer—and the legislation Jackson had passed protects from any punishment firefighters caught with marijuana in their system while on duty. One could say that is the “smoking gun”.

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‍Barry O’Connell

‍It turns out the Democrat establishment is in on the joke, and O’Connell was simply the first to get the punchline. Calling Jackson a “DINO” isn't just his descriptive label; it’s a diagnosis of his desperate attempt to stay relevant. While the Party is busy looking for the nearest exit from his influence, Jackson is busy writing checks to the Caucus. It’s almost touching—like a guy paying for a lifetime membership to a country club that’s already revoked his keycard. Is he trying to "buy" his way back into the Democrat fold? Because right now, he just looks like a man trying to pay off a "traitor" debt.

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‍Susan McComas

‍At the 2026 Kingsville 4th of July Parade, Glen Geelhaar and Yahu Blackwell introduced themselves to Del. Susan McComas. Part of the exchange went something like this:

McComas: “What office are you running for?”

‍Blackwell: “State Senate”.

‍McComas: “Oh, that’s great. So who are you running against?

‍Blackwell: “Carl Jackson”.

‍McComas: “Oh, I like Carl Jackson….”

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‍And there it is. The sound of a political bridge collapsing in real-time. Nothing says 'I've got your back' quite like telling a possible future colleague you're a fan of the person they're trying to fire.

Zulieka Baysmore

The 3-time election loser (now referred to as “Lose-ika” Baysmore), has been seen and heard praising Carl Jackson for “helping her”.

“even Carl Jackson called me and wanted to do some things after the primaries. Because, you know, I'm, I'm working a lot when it comes to housing and all of that.” - voicemail from July 28, 2026

Her support of Carl Jackson goes even further back. After the cameras stopped rolling at a scheduled press conference, Baysmore attacked candidate Glen Geelhaar for his calling out of Jackson for the high crime in the District. She said, “Why are you attacking Carl Jackson?…he helped me....”

One has to admire Carl’s commitment to the politically underprivileged. It’s a heartwarming tale of bipartisanship: Carl is more than happy to play the mentor to a three-time Republican loser, provided the beneficiary is 'Lose-ika' and not a Democrat. Apparently, the door to Carl’s heart is wide open, as long as you’re from the opposite party and can't actually win an election.

‍Delegate Ric Metzgar

‍Metzgar may vote like a Democrat, but he’s desperate for the MAGA aesthetic. His solution? Using Jackson—the Maryland Freedom Caucus’s best-kept secret—as a political prop to convince us he’s actually one of the "good" Republicans.

‍Kim Klacik

‍In a display of devotion that borders on obsessive, Klacik hasn't just 'nodded' at Carl Jackson; it reads like she has become one of his unpaid PR team. She defends him on-air, off-air, and probably in her sleep. As a self-proclaimed Trump Republican who secured his 2022 endorsement—which she wears like a badge of honor—she’s less of a talk show host and more of a professional cheerleader for the man of the hour, Carl Jackson. Here are a few Klacik gems from March 2026 and beyond.

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‍“..and Senator Carl Jackson and I, they're already talking about bringing some other stuff back next year to try to get this, you know, a stronger piece of legislation passed.” - The Kim Klacik Show, Mar. 16 2026

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‍“I do want to give out a shout-out to Senator Carl Jackson. Not sure if I did or not. But he was the only one that voted on the Democrat side of the aisle, obviously, that voted with the state's attorneys who do not want to see all juveniles go to juvenile court when they commit adult crimes. So on that bill in the Senate, yes, it did pass the Senate. But Senator Carl Jackson, believe it or not, voted against it. So he voted with state attorney Ivan Bates and others, of course, with Republicans. And believe it or not, he's also getting a little pushback from his own party now. But you know what? Thank you, Senator Jackson, for, you know, for standing up and doing what's right. You've got all these prosecutors that came to Annapolis and said that this is a terrible idea. And the juvenile courts can't even handle all of these violent repeat offenders. So why not send them to adult court where they end up usually anyways? And you had those Democrat senators, except for Carl Jackson, the rest of them voted to allow these juveniles to just go to juvenile court.” - The Kim Klacik Show, Mar. 16, 2026

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‍“It is difficult for me to look at some of the Democrats across the state and think, okay, there's anything we can agree on. But you know what, Charlie? I talk often about Senator Carl Jackson, and he's my senator, and he voted against the Community Trust Act. He voted against the juvenile automatic charging bill. He voted to hold the juveniles accountable. And so with someone like Carl Jackson, you know, I could see, you know, and he even helps Ryan Nawrocki and Delegate Kathy Szeliga with their bills as well.” - The Kim Klacik Show, June 4, 2026

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‍“But you know what? I said, look, whatever is going to help our firefighters or our first responders in general, let's just make sure they have it and get it done. “ - The Kim Klacik Show, in supporting Jackson on weed bill, June 19, 2026

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‍“And don't forget, in Baltimore County, you had a bill similarly proposed in Annapolis by Delegate Ryan Nawrocki and Senator Carl Jackson, giving the IG more oversight over the school budget.” - The Kim Klacik Show, May 14, 2026

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‍“I told you, Senator Carl Jackson, he got really screamed at by his colleagues, his Democrat colleagues, because they were mad that he wanted transparency over the school budget.” - The Kim Klacik Show, May 14, 2026

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‍“Because Mayor Scott, you know, and some of the city council members and even some of the Democrats, you know what, even some of them that I kind of like, like Senator Carl Jackson, they'll say, oh, well, the kids are bored.” - The Kim Klacik Show, May 15, 2026

But wait—plot twist!

‍After the August Special Session, we witnessed a genuine political miracle: Klacik suddenly decided to play Republican. Coincidentally, this sudden change of heart happened right after Jackson "conveniently" voted for the redistricting bill that basically deletes the concept of two-party representation in Maryland.

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‍"That didn't happen it didn't happen Senator Carl Jackson who claims that he is such a moderate you are not a moderate sir you voted for the reparations commission you voted for the paint tax when you were a delegate and now you voted to trample on the Constitution for voters I guess to decide whether or not the 30% 35% of the Republicans in the state deserve representation this is egregious." - The Kim Klacik Show, Aug 5, 2026

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‍"And sometimes I feel like it gets a little friendly, a little chummy, and I don't mean that we have to be so polarizing and hate each other. But after this vote, my mind has changed on many individuals there in Annapolis. I thought Senator Carl Jackson, a couple others would be more moderate." - The Kim Klacik Show, Aug. 7, 2026

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‍Klacik’s sudden reversal is truly inspiring. It only took Jackson voting to turn Maryland into a one-party playground for her to suddenly be "cool" with him. Was it a sudden onset of grace, or did the botox finally wear off enough for her to actually feel something?

Klacik’s Off-Air Antics

‍If Klacik’s public act is a bit of a joke, but her private loyalty to Jackson is a scandal. Between her bizarre "begging for weed" logic and her off-air behavior, the mask is completely off. She confronted one in-studio candidate on his opposition to the weed bill saying “ they really want their weed”….would she give her daughter whatever she wants if she begs for it hard enough?

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‍She actually had the nerve to ask Yahu Blackwell why he was "attacking" Carl Jackson. Let’s review this brief off-air, in-studio exchange:

Klacik: “why are you attacking Carl Jackson?”

‍Blackwell: “uh, because he’s my opponent”.

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‍Let that sink in: she is actively questioning a candidate for doing the one thing you’re supposed to do in an election. It’s official—Klacik is Jackson’s silent partner. Perhaps if she had spent more time campaigning for herself and less time shielding Jackson from his opponents, she might actually know what winning feels like.

‍Carl Jackson Admits It!

‍In a stunning act of self-exposure, Senator Carl Jackson has officially decided he’s more Republican than the actual Republican candidate. While Jacque Stevenson was busy doing the actual work of running for the party, Jackson is bragging that he's "more popular" with her base than she is, even going so far as to mock her for being a "10 minutes ago Republican." It takes a special kind of confidence to admit you’ve effectively hijacked another party's identity better than their own candidate.

‍Democrat by Label, Republican by Record: Who is Actually Representing District 8?

‍The record is clear, the donors are documented, and the "bipartisanship" is a thin veil for total alignment with the far right. Carl Jackson isn't "reaching across the aisle"—he’s already crossed it and set up camp. He didn’t earn his way into Annapolis through the will of the voters; instead, he successfully convinced party insiders that he was the right fit for the job. Those leaders acted in good faith, believing they were appointing a loyal Democrat to serve the district—they were simply deceived by a man who knew exactly which mask to wear to get the keys to the office.

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‍But if the party’s own establishment was fooled, the voters cannot afford to be. This election isn't just about choosing a name; it's about deciding if you are okay with a representative who treats his party affiliation as a costume rather than a commitment. This is a wake-up call for every resident of District 8 to look past the label and examine the evidence. Before you cast your vote, think hard: Does the man in the mirror match the man on the ballot? Because the evidence suggests that while he calls himself a Democrat, Carl Jackson is actually the most convincing Republican you've ever met.

MAGA's Favorite Democrat: Carl Jackson

Tom Henry • Sep 21, 2026