Michelle Talkington
Republican | Maryland
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Michelle Talkington
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
U.S. Representative, District 5
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Ben Lomond High School, Ogden, High School Diploma, 1997-1999
University of Maryland, College Park, BA Fine Arts, 2002-2007
WORK & MILITARY
M.A.K. Remodeling Services, Owner, 2008-2026
AFFILIATIONS
Charles County Republican Central Committee, Chair & Vice Chair, 2022-2026
Free Dreamers (Raleigh), Secretary & Board Member, 2021-2026
Indian Head Center for the Arts, Vice Chair & Board Member, 2017-2022
Classical Conversations Accokeek, Director, 2013-2019
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
WinRed (2024)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Republican Womens Organizations (2024)
WinRed (2024)
OTHER INFORMATION
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey - 2022.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe that every life is a gift from God and deserves protection. At 17, I faced an unplanned pregnancy and Chose Life, a decision that became the catalyst for my future success and my six beautiful children. I am firmly pro-life and believe elective abortion should not be allowed. I support exceptions only when necessary to save the life of the mother. We must focus on empowering women and providing the resources necessary to choose life, as every child deserves a chance.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Strongly Agree
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
People who can afford to pay more taxes should do so in order to provide relief for working families.
Strongly Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
1. Consolidate redundant federal programs to reduce bureaucratic bloat. 2. End reckless deficit spending to stop the inflation crushing families. 3. Cut burdensome regulations that stifle small business growth. 4. Increase oversight and transparency for federal grants and education funding. Government should not outspend the economy. It’s time for fiscal accountability and a system that serves the people, not the bureaucrats.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
To me, this phrase represents a one-way wall designed to protect the church from government interference, not to remove faith from the public square. My Christian faith is the guiding compass for my life and decisions. The Founders intended to ensure that the state never dictates religious practice or violates rights of conscience. We must protect religious liberty from government overreach and mandates, ensuring that people of faith can lead and serve according to their values.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Choice C is the most accurate reflection of my position. We must protect the promises made to our seniors and most vulnerable by maintaining Medicare and Medicaid. However, I strongly oppose the expansion of government-run healthcare, which increases the national debt and reduces quality. We should focus on market-based solutions, increasing competition, and lowering costs for families without creating more bureaucratic waste or government dependency.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
Choice C aligns most closely with my vision for a strong America. We must prioritize our own sovereignty and focus on the economic well-being of our citizens. For too long, reckless spending on foreign interests has outpaced our commitment to hard-working Americans. While we must remain vigilant against imminent threats, our primary duty is to protect our people and ensure America’s strength is rebuilt from within by ending the inflation caused by overspending abroad.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes. Israel is our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East. Our partnership is vital for intelligence and security, especially as we face shared threats. As a Christian, I recognize our deep moral ties. However, I believe in an America First approach to foreign policy. We must stand with our allies while ensuring every commitment is a strategic investment that prioritizes America, protects our economy, and keeps our families safe. National security starts with a starts with a strong America
Islamic terrorism is a threat to the United States' national security.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigration must be legal, orderly, and merit-based. We must first secure the border to end the illegal immigration crisis and protect our communities from crime. Our system should prioritize individuals who respect our laws and possess the skills needed to grow our economy without burdening taxpayers. As a business owner, I value hard work, but we cannot allow our sovereignty to be ignored. Protecting American families and the American worker must always be our top priority.
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Strongly Disagree
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Strongly Agree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My Christian faith is the foundation of my life. Having served as a youth minister and worship leader, I believe in the sanctity of life, the strength of the family unit, and our duty to serve others. These values guided me to "Choose Life" as a teenager and continue to drive my work as a business owner and community leader. I am committed to protecting religious liberty and ensuring that the values of faith, hard work, and integrity remain at the heart of our nation.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear is our most reliable baseload. I support an all-of-the-above strategy with natural gas to lower costs, ensure independence, and cut red tape to keep utility bills low for families.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The Second Amendment is a fundamental right. Public safety is best protected by enforcing current laws and holding violent criminals accountable, not by restricting law-abiding citizens. I support mandatory minimums for those who commit crimes with a firearm and addressing the mental health crisis. We must focus on getting repeat offenders off our streets. Protecting our communities means punishing criminal behavior, not infringing on the constitutional rights of Marylanders.
