About the Race

• Democratic Nominee
• Republican Nominee
• Green, Libertarian and Populist Nominee

U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin beat out former NAACP president Kweisi Mfume to win the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Paul Sarbanes of Maryland.

African American Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele officially picked up the Senate nomination on the Republican ticket.

Length of term: Six years

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Democratic Nominee

Benjamin L. Cardin

Occupation Congressman.

Education BA, economics, University of Pittsburgh; JD, University of Maryland School of Law.

Age 62 | Residence Baltimore.

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Republican Nominee

Michael S. Steele

Occupation Lieutenant governor, state of Maryland.

Education BA, international relations, Johns Hopkins University; JD, Georgetown University.

Age 47 | Residence Largo.

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Green, Libertarian and Populist Nominee

Kevin Zeese

Occupation Executive Director of Democracy Rising

Education BS, State University of New York at Buffalo; JD, George Washington University Law School.

Age 50 | Residence Takoma Park

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