Cheryl Riley
MD-08 Republican nominee?
$22.9K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current rolePublic relations specialist
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationMaryland
BackgroundPublic relations specialist
Show moreShow less
EducationMontgomery College (attended; 1982)
Notable personal detailsCheryl Riley is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. She was the Republican nominee in the 2024 general election, in which she lost to incumbent Rep. Jamie Raskin. Riley is associated with the principal campaign committee "CHERYL RILEY FOR CONGRESS" registered with the Federal Election Commission for Maryland’s 8th District.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports reducing wasteful federal spending and opposes tax-and-spend policies; favors market-oriented education policies such as tax credits and vouchers. Emphasizes affordability and criticizes tax loopholes and punitive regulations on energy producers rather than endorsing large new tax increases or redistributive policies.
Healthcare
Supports a government-funded health insurance option available to all who want it while retaining private healthcare options (i.e., a public option). Opposes mandatory vaccinations by government, schools, or employers (indicated as “Never” for vaccine requirements).
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
The candidate emphasizes stronger immigration enforcement and criticizes policies that she says prioritize undocumented immigrants over U.S. residents, signaling support for tougher border/immigration controls. Her campaign branding describes a priority on putting “America First” and opposing policies perceived as favoring illegal immigration.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate opposes federal funding for abortion, says the federal government should not set national abortion policy and that states should decide abortion laws. She does not personally support abortion and favors regulations on chemical abortion (such as in‑person consultation and reporting requirements).
Climate & Energy
Supports expanded domestic energy production and energy independence, emphasizing "unleashed energy for jobs and lower costs" as part of an "America First" platform and framing energy policy within pro-growth, limited-government priorities. Does not present detailed climate policy goals or support for aggressive emissions targets on the campaign site.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate says existing gun restrictions are adequate and emphasizes enforcing current laws rather than creating new restrictions; she also opposes redirecting police funding and supports strong law enforcement.
Endorsements
Endorsers of Cheryl Riley for MD-08 Republican nominee?
Montgomery County Republican Club
Public figure
Montgomery County Republican Club endorsed Cheryl Riley for Congress in Maryland's 8th District.
Montgomery County Republican Party
Public figure
Montgomery County Republican Party endorsed Cheryl Riley for Congress in MD-8.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- News
- Polls