Maryland elections chief confirms suspicious package was intercepted

Konner Metz and Tinashe Chingarande, Baltimore Sun on Oct 15, 2026

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BALTIMORE — A suspicious envelope intended for the Maryland State Board of Elections was intercepted before delivery Thursday, State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis confirmed to The Baltimore Sun.

Federal authorities are investigating reports of letters containing suspicious substances sent to congressional and election offices across the country, according to news reports. The investigation involves the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police. Whether Maryland is a part of this investigation remains unclear.

The Sun reached out to all 10 of Maryland’s congressional members to confirm whether they received any suspicious mail Thursday.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a Democrat who represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, said his office hadn’t received any packages.

He added that the Subcommittee on Government Operations of the House Oversight Committee is preparing to send a letter to the U.S. Postal Service Friday requesting details about current and potential threats to members of Congress, postal workers and the public.

A spokesperson for Rep. Glenn Ivey, who represents Maryland’s 4th Congressional District, declined to say whether his office received a letter, citing security concerns.

Spokespeople for Reps. Johnny Olszewski Jr., April McClain Delaney, Andy Harris and Jamie Raskin said their offices did not receive any suspicious letters.

“Threats and acts of political violence are never acceptable,” Olszewski told The Sun Thursday. “The safety of public officials, their (families) and staff must always be a top priority. I am grateful to the law enforcement officials who are working to investigate these incidents and protect those who serve the public.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s office said it wasn’t affected by the letters but that the senator is “monitoring the situation.”

Del. Chao Wu, a Democrat on the House Government, Labor and Elections Committee and represents parts of Howard and Montgomery counties, said Thursday’s incident raises concerns about election security ahead of the upcoming elections.

“I’m really worried about the election itself, especially with USPS having some other issues handling the problem with mail-in ballots,” Wu said.