Eric Van Buren

Eric Van Buren is the Democratic candidate for Maryland State Senate District 2 in the November 3, 2026 general election, having advanced from the June 23 primary.[1][3] A paralegal, he describes himself as a community advocate and nonprofit founder whose campaign focuses on accountability and local investment.[1][2]

Van Buren earned a high school diploma from Bowie High School and has worked as a paralegal.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described himself as a community advocate, nonprofit founder and returning citizen.[2] He said he served nearly two decades in federal prison, where he became a certified paralegal, mediator and behavioral therapist, and that since returning home he has worked in reentry, violence interruption and community education.[2] His key messages were accountability over politics, community-first solutions and expanded opportunity, and he said he is passionate about education, public safety, health care access and economic fairness for small businesses and working families.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.