State government and politics reporter

Sam Janesch

Sam Janesch is The Baltimore Sun's state government and politics reporter. Before joining The Sun in 2022, he worked as an investigative reporter at The Caucus in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Penn State University.

County Executive Steuart Pittman speaks at the opening of the Pascal Crisis Stabilization Center which has moved into a new facility on the grounds of Crownsville Hospital.

Steuart Pittman has to close campaign account before becoming Maryland Democratic Party leader

June 23, 2025 at 1:57 p.m.

Steuart Pittman — elevated on Saturday to lead the Maryland Democrats after the party’s top brass rallied behind him — will have to wait, at least temporarily, to assume his...

A view of the Maryland State House. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Gaming companies that allegedly deceived DC officials increased lobbying while looking to expand in Maryland

July 8, 2025 at 5:19 p.m.

A pair of gaming companies accused of an "elaborate scheme" in Washington, D.C., are trying to expand in Maryland.

Maryland State House in Annapolis where a projected $3.3 billion budget deficit became a central issue during the 2025 legislative session.

From Maglev to the Orioles, here’s how companies paid to influence Maryland government in 2025

July 6, 2025 at 3:59 p.m.

From energy companies to the Baltimore Orioles, here's how lobbyists tried to wield their influence in 2025, according to The Baltimore Sun’s analysis.

Sylvia Zorn of Parkville made her own sign for the No Tax rally put on by the Maryland Freedom Caucus outside the State House. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)

How Maryland lobbyists influenced debate on taxes, alcohol in grocery stores, other business interests

July 6, 2025 at 4:02 p.m.

Lobbyists and advocates looking to wield their influence with Maryland officials saw both wins and losses this year in Annapolis.

Carroll County Commissioner Eric Bouchat speaks during an open budget session where county agencies are requesting funds in the 2023 budget in Westminster Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Republican Del. Chris Bouchat plans run for Maryland governor in 2026

June 18, 2025 at 11:47 a.m.

Del. Chris Bouchat, a Republican from Carroll County who has railed against both Democrats and members of his own party in Annapolis, is gearing up to run for governor next...

The Senate Chamber in the Maryland State House.

Special interests spent $58 million to influence Maryland officials during 2025 legislative session

July 8, 2025 at 5:11 p.m.

Companies trying to influence Maryland lawmakers and Gov. Wes Moore’s administration during one of the most consequential General Assembly sessions spent $58 million on lobbying to make their mark.

The Herbert R. O'Conor State Office Building on N. Eutaw Street in Baltimore, Maryland. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)

Moore administration trims Baltimore real estate portfolio, other spending to cut $576M

June 6, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Maryland officials are taking new steps to trim the state’s real estate portfolio in Baltimore City as part of a larger effort to save hundreds of millions of dollars over...

Wes Moore, governor of Maryland enters to join other elected officials to sign passed legislation into law at the Maryland State House. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Why Gov. Wes Moore is making a sales pitch to businesses in South Carolina

June 3, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Gov. Wes Moore visited three large or fast-growing South Carolina businesses recently in what his office described as a key component of his economic growth agenda.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks to reporters as U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., left, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz look on at Clyburn's World Famous Fish, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Columbia, S.C.

Gov. Wes Moore meets with Obama, Biden advisers, charts potential presidential path through South Carolina

June 2, 2025 at 4:52 p.m.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has repeatedly said he's not running for president, but his latest moves — including meeting with Obama and Biden advisers — indicate a 2028 presidential bid...

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at the South Carolina Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner Friday, May 30, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

In South Carolina, Gov. Wes Moore hits the early presidential primary circuit while insisting the time for urgency is now

May 31, 2025 at 6:15 p.m.

Gov. Wes Moore on Friday told a South Carolina crowd of some of the country’s most important Democratic primary voters they need a greater sense of urgency.

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