THE BLUE WAVE: For Maryland Democrats, the 2018 elections can’t come fast enough, writes Josh Kurtz in Maryland Matters. On the heels of Tuesday night’s blue wave – in Virginia, in Annapolis and in Frederick, among other places – Democrats are already sensing a shift in the state’s political dynamic, and peril for Gov. Larry Hogan (R)on his march toward re-election. “I think we can start talking about a change narrative,” said state Sen. Rich Madaleno (D), one of eight Democrats running for governor next year. “Democrats are motivated, they’re angry, they’re engaged, and Hogan is a lame duck walking.”

BUCKLEY BEATS PANTELIDES: Danielle Ohl and Chase Cook of the Annapolis Capital report that Democrat Gavin Buckley beat incumbent Republican Mike Pantelides for mayor of Annapolis 5,439 votes to 3,354, according to unofficial results.

The Capital’s editorial board opines that Buckley’s win was a dramatic culmination for a campaign at first written off by some as Buckley seeking publicity for his restaurants or venting annoyance with the city over a legal dispute about a mural. Many Democrats thought the best he could hope for was a respectable primary loss to the party favorite, veteran state Sen. John Astle. Is this just a Democratic town reverting to type? We bet there’s more to it.
Here is a report from Karen Hosler of WYPR-FM on the Buckley win.