Maryland lawmakers are raising questions about expenses reported in a state delegate’s campaign finance filings, as election officials explain how questionable spending could ultimately be referred for criminal prosecution.
The scrutiny follows a Spotlight on Maryland review of campaign finance reports filed by Del. Gary Simmons, D-Anne Arundel County, which found the first-term lawmaker spent nearly all of the money his campaign raised during the 2025 non-election reporting period. Just over 14% of expenditures appeared tied to campaign activity.
The findings have prompted questions among some members of the Anne Arundel County legislative delegation about whether certain expenses comply with Maryland law, which allows campaign funds to be used for political purposes but strictly prohibits their use for personal expenses.
Simmons’ filings with the Maryland Board of Elections list numerous expenses charged to the campaign account, including food purchases and other costs incurred while the Maryland General Assembly was in session last year in Annapolis. Lawmakers receive a daily living allowance intended to cover many such expenses during the legislative session.
Spotlight on Maryland also identified additional entries in the campaign filings that raised questions, including two medical office copays billed to the campaign committee.
Some lawmakers in the Anne Arundel County House and Senate delegation told Spotlight on Maryland the transactions raise concerns about whether the spending complied with campaign finance rules.
Del. Brian Chisholm, R-Anne Arundel County, said some of the expenses outlined in the report do not initially appear to qualify as permissible campaign spending, though he stopped short of calling for Simmons’ resignation or prosecution.
It doesn’t sound like an appropriate use,” Chisholm told Spotlight on Maryland on Wednesday.
“I know that you’re not supposed to do that and I certainly wouldn’t do it,” Chisholm said. “I don’t know why he would think he could do it if that indeed is the facts, but I guess the facts will play out over the next couple of weeks, so we will see what happens.”
Spotlight on Maryland sent questions on Friday to every member of the Anne Arundel County delegation.
Sen. Shaneka Henson, D-Anne Arundel County, was the only lawmaker who responded to questions about Simmons’s campaign spending.
Henson described Simmons as “a very hard-working leader who dedicates a great deal of time to public service,” adding that she had reached out to him to see if she could assist him with understanding campaign finance regulations.
If Gary ultimately decided to step away from public service to focus on his family, I would respect that decision,” Henson wrote. “Ultimately, the voters of District 12B will have a choice to make.”
Calling out Simmons’s Democratic challenger by name, Henson said, “I have a great deal of respect for him.”
“He is a veteran and a respected member of the community, and I appreciate his willingness to serve,” Henson added.
Meanwhile, state election officials say all campaign finance accounts are subject to review.
Jared DeMarinis, election administrator for the Maryland State Board of Elections, told Spotlight on Maryland that every campaign finance report filed with the state is eventually audited as part of the oversight process.
“I don’t want to comment on any specific case that has not been brought before us, whether a complaint or through any sort of manner,” DeMarinis said. “At this point, the process will play out. Every campaign finance report gets audited.”
Campaign committees in Maryland must file periodic finance reports detailing the contributions they receive and the expenditures they make during a specific period. Those filings are typically annual during non-election years but become more frequent during a primary and general election season.
All campaign finance filings are maintained by the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Spotlight on Maryland asked DeMarinis when questionable campaign spending could rise to the level of a criminal matter.
That would be for the determination of the state prosecutor’s office,” DeMarinis said. “We would say this would not be deemed a permissible expenditure and refer it then to the state prosecutor.”
Charlton Howard, the Maryland state prosecutor, was asked by email Wednesday whether his office had received a criminal referral related to Simmons and if the lawmaker may be cooperating with any inquiries.
“It is the policy of our office not to comment on the existence, status, or details or any investigation unless and until it results in criminal charges,” Howard wrote.
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Spotlight on Maryland attempted to ask Simmons additional questions on Wednesday and Friday about the expenses listed in his campaign filings, including asking about a GoFundMe post created by Simmons’s daughter seeking financial support for her college tuition.
The post featured a photograph of the lawmaker with his daughter.
“My parents have always done everything in their power to support my education, even when it meant putting their own needs last,” Simmons’ daughter wrote. “Seeing them struggle to pay for my Spring semester tuition has been incredibly painful because I know how much they have already sacrificed just to get me this far.”
Neither Simmons’ daughter nor his former wife responded to requests for comment sent by phone, email, and social media last week.
Before entering a restricted stairwell near his Annapolis office, Simmons refused to answer Spotlight on Maryland’s additional questions about his campaign spending.
“I’ll follow up with you,” Simmons said.
The lawmaker’s campaign treasurer did not respond to requests for comment.
Send news tips about this story or others to gmcollins@sbgtv.com or contact Spotlight on Maryland’s hotline at (410) 467-4670.
Md. lawmakers questions mount over expenses in delegate’s campaign filings
