Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives - Maryland 5th Congressional District in 2026 Maryland Primary Election.
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Get StartedReal public safety begins long before crime occurs. Walter will invest in youth apprenticeships, job opportunities, mental health response teams, and community-based violence interruption programs—proven strategies that address the root causes of crime and keep communities safer over time. Learn more
Strong communities require strong partnerships with law enforcement. Walter will support recruiting and retaining qualified officers, invest in de-escalation and crisis-response training, and ensure departments have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and professionally. Learn more
Veterans should not face long wait times, delays, or barriers to basic care. Walter will reduce VA wait times, expand access to mental health services, and hold the system accountable. If the VA cannot provide care within a reasonable timeframe, veterans should be able to access community care—at no cost—so they receive timely, high-quality treatment. Learn more
Cut red tape and create a 60-day business permit window, with a federal-state business concierge office to help employers navigate approvals. Learn more
Walter will fight to restore federal investment in science, research, and development—fueling innovation across the National Capital Region and ensuring America remains competitive in high-skill, high-wage industries. Learn more
Build the workforce before we need it through AI and skilled-trade hubs, stronger community college partnerships, and incentives to hire locally. Learn more
Walter Kirkland is committed to strengthening and fully funding the Minority Business Development Agency, providing not only promises, but real growth opportunities. Learn more
Walter will restore academic excellence by investing in evidence-based literacy and math programs, expanding tutoring, and ensuring accountability across our school systems. Every student deserves the tools to succeed—regardless of zip code. Learn more
Walter will fight for increased funding for Title I schools, ensuring that students in underserved communities receive the resources they need. He is committed to fair and equitable funding that supports students across all backgrounds and income levels. Learn more
Families shouldn’t have to choose between food on the table and a high energy bill. Walter wants to strengthen consumer protections, increase energy efficiency efforts, and hold utilities accountable to their customers. Learn more
Walter Kirkland will strengthen NATO and stand with America’s democratic friends, including continued support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. He supports coordinated strategies to address global threats posed by authoritarian governments. Learn more
Walter will support the overturning of the Citizens United decision and the reduction of the influence of big corporate money in politics so the voices of everyday people count more than the voices of the rich and powerful. Learn more
Protect Social Security and Medicare while lowering prescription drug and healthcare costs through expanded price negotiations, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, and stronger oversight of benefits. Learn more
Too many families face long wait times, limited providers, and barriers to care—especially in underserved communities. Walter will expand access by investing in community health centers, increasing telehealth services, and creating incentives for providers to practice in high-need areas. Learn more
Walter will take on hedge funds and Wall Street investors who are making it difficult for families to afford homes. A house should belong to a family, not a portfolio. Learn more
Walter understands that border security must be smart, not just strong. This means Walter supports state-of-the-art technology, anti-trafficking efforts, and upgraded ports of entry to stop fentanyl and human trafficking without hindering lawful trade and travel. Learn more
Walter will fight for full funding and breaking ground for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) system. This will give families in the Fifth District a much-needed and reliable transportation system along the MD 5 and US 301 corridor in Charles and Prince George’s Counties. Learn more
Walter Kirkland knows that shutdowns aren’t just abstract ideas – they have real consequences, including missed paychecks, economic damage, and hardship to families across our district. He will stand up for a budget process that keeps our government running and working for the people. Learn more
Walter will be a champion for passing the PRO Act and will fight to strengthen unions and prevent wage theft and worker misclassification. When workers have a voice in our economy, wages rise and our communities thrive. Learn more
Walter Kirkland believes in raising the federal minimum wage to at least 20/hour and indexing it to inflation so that workers’ wages keep pace with the real cost of living. Learn more
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