Press Release September 23, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEISTER CONDEMNS ANTISEMITIC CONSPIRACY CLAIMS BY HAROLD MALDONADO

ROCKVILLE, MD — Helene F. Meister, candidate for Maryland State Senate District 17 and member of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee, condemns the antisemitic conspiracy claims circulated by Montgomery County Council District 7 candidate Harold Maldonado.

Maldonado circulated allegations that Mossad secretly controls Montgomery County elected officials. These allegations were presented without credible evidence and invoke antisemitic conspiracy theories.

“I unequivocally reject these antisemitic conspiracy claims. Antisemitism must be condemned wherever it comes from. Baseless allegations that Jewish or Israeli interests secretly control our elected officials have no place in our political discourse, they are unacceptable and dangerous.”

On September 22, the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee unanimously approved a motion to discontinue its support for Maldonado’s candidacy and exclude him from the party’s 2026 general-election voter guide.

“I supported the motion and the Central Committee’s decision. These statements do not represent my views, or the views of other Republican candidates in Montgomery County and I believe it is important to make that absolutely clear.”

“This issue is also deeply personal to me. Members of my family are Jewish, and both of my parents lived under the German occupation of France. I grew up understanding the dangers of antisemitism, and I will always condemn it, regardless of where it comes from.”

Meister emphasized that Maldonado’s statements are his own and do not represent her views.

“Our county faces serious challenges involving affordability, taxes, education, public safety and economic growth. Those are the issues on which candidates should vigorously debate. Antisemitism and antisemitic conspiracy theories should never be part of that debate.”

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By authority Helene Meister for a Better Maryland, June T. Nicholas, Treasurer