A Republican running for statewide office in Maryland is never the frontrunner. The GOP brand is toxic in the DC area right now. I don't think he gets re-elected.
And Democratic brand is toxic outside of DC area and Baltimore city. What will prevail?
DC area+Baltimore area is the vast majority of the state's population, hence why the state is so heavily Democratic.
I said Baltimore city. Baltimore suburbs are mostly conservative, frequently - extremely conservative.
Hillary won Baltimore County 56%-38%
Baltimore county is only PART of suburbs. How about Carroll or Harford?
You might be able to consider parts of Harford as in the Balitmore Metro, but not Carroll, it's too remote and far away.