# Comptroller  
**In one sentence:** The Comptroller of Maryland oversees the state’s finances, including tax collection, revenue forecasting, and oversight of state contracts and pensions.  

## The candidates  
### Brooke Elizabeth Lierman (Democratic)  
**Background:** Lierman is a civil rights attorney and former state delegate. She is the first woman elected to the role and emphasizes data-driven policymaking.  
**Top stated priorities:** Transparent tax administration, modernizing state financial systems, addressing the racial wealth gap, and strengthening procurement oversight.  
**Record or experience relevant to this office:** Served eight years in the Maryland House of Delegates, focused on economic equity and government accountability. Led reforms to streamline tax processes and expand access to state services.  

### Sonya Dunn (Republican)  
**Background:** Dunn is a digital media consultant and former local government official. She positions herself as an independent fiscal watchdog.  
**Top stated priorities:** Strengthening revenue forecasting, reducing government waste, and ensuring transparency in state spending.  
**Record or experience relevant to this office:** Highlighted procurement expertise and pledged to audit tax incentive programs. No prior elected office mentioned in sources.  

## Where they differ  
- **Tax transparency:** Lierman emphasizes modernizing tax systems and ensuring fairness for families and businesses. Dunn focuses on accurate revenue forecasting to avoid budget shortfalls.  
- **Racial equity:** Lierman directly addresses the racial wealth gap, proposing policies to support underinvested communities. Dunn’s platform does not mention racial equity but stresses fiscal responsibility.  
- **Procurement oversight:** Both prioritize reducing waste, but Lierman highlights systemic reforms, while Dunn pledges to “fight fraud and abuse” through independent audits.  

## If you care most about...  
**Tax fairness → FOR Lierman**: She advocates for transparent tax practices and modernizing the system to benefit all Marylanders.  
**Economic growth → FOR Lierman**: Her plans include expanding broadband access and using data to improve state efficiency.  
**Government accountability → AGAINST Dunn**: Critics argue her focus on fiscal conservatism may overlook systemic inequities.  
**Business-friendly policies → AGAINST Dunn**: Her emphasis on “tax-friendly” policies could reduce revenue for public services.  

## Who supports and who opposes  
**Supporters of Lierman:** League of Women Voters, Maryland Matters, and local business groups praising her economic reforms.  
**Supporters of Dunn:** No specific organizations cited in sources; her campaign emphasizes grassroots backing.  
**Opponents:** Not found in sources checked.  

## What we could not verify  
- Specific details about Dunn’s past government roles or policy implementations.  
- Concrete examples of Lierman’s “economic reporting” initiatives.  

## Confidence  
**High** – Multiple official sources and campaign statements corroborate key details about both candidates.  

## Sources  
[1] Maryland Comptroller’s Office – *The Role of the Comptroller* (https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/about/comptroller.html)  
[2] Brooke Lierman Campaign – *Policy Agenda* (https://brookelierman.com/policy-agenda/)  
[3] Sonya Dunn Campaign – *Home* (https://www.votesonyadunn.com/)  
[4] Ballotpedia – *Maryland Comptroller Election* (https://ballotpedia.org/Brooke_Elizabeth_Lierman)  
[5] WMDT – *Meet the Candidates for Maryland Comptroller* (https://www.wmdt.com/2026/08/meet-the-candidates-for-maryland-comptroller)