Edmund Barrett

Edmund Barrett served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 2015. He graduated from Mooretown High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 1990, a graduate degree from Central Michigan University in 2003, and a graduate degree from Naval War College in 2008. His career experience includes working as a military officer.[1]

State House

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State Senate

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired U.S. Army Colonel with more than 30 years of military service, a former Regional Director for Senator Chris Van Hollen, and a professor at the Naval War College. Throughout my career, I have dedicated my life to public service, leadership, and helping solve complex challenges.

My military career taught me the importance of accountability, teamwork, and putting mission before self. After retiring from the Army, I continued serving the public by helping constituents navigate federal agencies and access the services they needed as a Regional Director for Senator Van Hollen. I have also had the privilege of educating future military and civilian leaders as a professor at the Naval War College.

In addition to my professional experience, I have been deeply involved in my community as a teacher, youth sports coach, and advocate for the Eastern Shore. These experiences have given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing working families, small businesses, seniors, veterans, and young people across our region.

I am running for office because I believe government should focus on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, public safety, strong schools, economic opportunity, and improving the quality of life for the people it serves. My career has been built on service, and I am seeking this opportunity to continue serving the people of Maryland and the Eastern Shore.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordability and Cost of Living

The rising cost of living is one of the most significant challenges facing Maryland families. Housing, energy, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and other household expenses have increased faster than many families' incomes. Policymakers continue to debate approaches to improving affordability, including expanding housing supply, supporting workforce development, reviewing tax and regulatory policies, increasing access to childcare, and addressing energy costs. As Maryland plans for future growth, affordability remains an important consideration across many policy areas because it affects where people can live, work, raise families, and retire.Energy Reliability and Affordability

Maryland faces significant challenges related to energy supply, infrastructure, and affordability. As electricity demand continues to grow, policymakers are evaluating how to ensure residents and businesses have access to reliable and reasonably priced energy.

Discussions include expanding generation capacity, modernizing the electric grid, and considering a range of energy sources, including nuclear power, offshore wind, solar energy, and emerging technologies. Energy policy affects household utility bills, economic development, business competitiveness, and long-term planning.

Ensuring reliability while maintaining affordability is a key issue for communities across District 37Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge in many rural communities. Residents often face provider shortages, longer travel times for specialty care, workforce recruitment challenges, and concerns about the long-term sustainability of rural hospitals and healthcare facilities. At the same time, many families struggle to find affordable childcare and other services that allow parents and caregivers to participate fully in the workforce. Policymakers continue to explore ways to strengthen rural healthcare systems, expand access to primary and behavioral health services, support healthcare workforce development, and improve access to childcare and family support programs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about energy policy, education, and national security because each plays a critical role in our nation's future. Maryland needs reliable, affordable energy to power homes, businesses, and economic growth. I support an all-of-the-above approach that includes renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, alongside nuclear energy and emerging technologies that can strengthen energy independence and grid reliability.

Education has been a central part of my professional life as a professor and mentor. Strong schools, workforce training programs, and higher education opportunities help individuals reach their full potential while strengthening our communities and economy.

I am also deeply committed to military.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Shore Progress, Former Salisbury City Councilwoman Megan Outten, Wicomico County Councilman Josh Hastings.