Haven Shoemaker, the state attorney for Maryland’s Carroll County, announced his resignation, citing frustration with what he describes as an "insane" "ultra-progressive" takeover of the state. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Shoemaker, who has spent decades in public service, said he is "sick to death" of policies emanating from the state capital in Annapolis. He specifically criticized Maryland’s "sanctuary" policies and high taxes, which he claims are partly funding services for undocumented immigrants. "Maryland has become California on the Chesapeake," Shoemaker said. "It only gets worse. It's not getting better. And at some point, I just had to make a personal decision that it's time to throw in the towel and head for what I believe are greener pastures."
Shoemaker is not alone in his concerns. He noted that Maryland has one of the worst outward migration numbers in the country, suggesting residents are fleeing the state due to its policies. "I don't know who’s going to be the last to foot the bill for the profligate spending that Annapolis likes to engage in, but it's not going to be me," he added.
Shoemaker’s resignation comes amid broader debates over Maryland’s fiscal and immigration policies. The state has faced criticism from some residents and lawmakers over its spending priorities, including recent legislation mandating tampons in men’s bathrooms amid a state deficit. Governor Wes Moore’s office did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Maryland House Speaker Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk or Senate President Bill Ferguson.
Shoemaker, born in Baltimore in the 1960s, has a long career in public service, including serving as mayor of Hampstead, a Carroll County commissioner, and a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He rose to the role of House Minority Whip for the Maryland Republican Party before becoming Carroll County’s top prosecutor in 2023.