Democrat Supporter’s Actions Occur As Many Are Calling For Civility
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the League of Women Voters Candidate’s Forum involving Congressman Andy Harris (R)and challenger Dan Schwartz (D) and other political candidates was allegedly disrupted by unruly audience reactions and rude interjections.
But one participant, Lance Simon, a Democrat who is familiar in Talbot County political circles as the man who unsuccessfully tried to get people to boycott Gay’s Seafood, was charged with 2nd Degree Assault and Disorderly Conduct at the event when he punched another participant, Jonathan Glaser.
From Congressman Harris:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/14/2026
Contact: info@andyharris.com
Congressman Andy Harris Condemns Political Violence and Intimidation After Threats and Assault at Candidate Forum
Congressman calls for a return to civility in politics
CAMBRIDGE, MD – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-1) and his family received threatening messages before and after last night’s League of Women Voters candidate forum. In addition, assault charges were filed against a Democratic Central Committee member from a neighboring county who assaulted one of the Congressman’s supporters at the event.
The threatening messages, which were received both before and after the forum, included a statement that “blood will be drawn” at the event. Law enforcement agencies have been notified and are reviewing the messages and investigating. The Democratic Central Committee member was escorted out of the forum after the assault.
“It’s disappointing that political violence and intimidation has reached the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Although League of Women Voters forums used to be events with civil discourse, agitators bussed in from as far away as New Jersey showed up yesterday for one purpose – to disrupt and heckle. One Democratic Central Committee member even assaulted one of my supporters and had to be escorted out, with charges filed. Threatening messages were sent both before and after the event, including that “blood will be drawn” at the forum.
I know my opponent doesn’t support this – we need to return to civility in politics once again for the sake of the country,” said Congressman Harris.
Congressman Harris remains committed to engaging directly with voters across the First District and encourages all residents to participate in the democratic process peacefully and respectfully.