Hours after the polls closed, Maryland Now podcast hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz and David Nitkin huddled with Marvin James and Alex Hughes, two experienced political operatives, for their first read on the election results. The big story – both nationally and in Maryland – James and Hughes said, was the message discipline demonstrated by high quality candidates, with affordability at the center. Then the conversation turned to what that means in Maryland, where Question 3 on gerrymandering passed and a few races were closer or more lopsided than expected. The podcast covers: Why affordability and message discipline drove the night, and whether Democrats can deliver, here in Maryland and nationwide How Republican gerrymandering efforts backfired in some states Question 3, the redistricting ballot measure, and what happens next Local results, including firsts in Baltimore County, plus Frederick and Wicomico County races Governor Wes Moore’s national profile, and the new class of Democratic governors What comes next for the Maryland Republican Party The panel also looked ahead to the next cycle and asks whether it’s a blessing or a curse to be called the front-runner this early. A write-up of the analysis discussed on the podcast can be found here. Connect With the Show:  Questions, comments, or story ideas [email protected] Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive. ...read more read less