Maryland Delegate Seeks to Expel Colleague Over Absences

Republican Delegate Lauren Arikan drafts resolution to oust fellow GOP member Christopher Bouchat

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:55am

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An abstract, fragmented painting in shades of blue, green, and grey depicting the blurred, overlapping figure of a politician leaving a legislative chamber, conveying a sense of disruption and dysfunction within the state government.The abrupt departure of a Maryland state delegate has sparked a rare attempt to expel the lawmaker, exposing deep partisan divisions within the legislature.Baltimore Today

A Maryland state delegate has drafted a resolution to expel a fellow Republican colleague, Delegate Christopher Bouchat, from the state House of Delegates. Delegate Lauren Arikan, a member of the Freedom Caucus, says Bouchat has repeatedly failed to show up for legislative sessions and committee meetings, negatively impacting the body's ability to function.

Why it matters

The move to expel a sitting legislator is highly unusual and reflects growing tensions within the state Republican party. Bouchat's absences have reportedly prevented the House from conducting business effectively, raising questions about legislative accountability and the ability of the state government to properly serve constituents.

The details

Arikan's resolution to expel Bouchat passed an initial vote 102-14 on Friday. Due to the late timing in the legislative session, the measure now heads to the House Rules Committee for a hearing. Bouchat has declined to participate in floor debates, votes, or committee meetings since February, telling colleagues that Republican votes 'don't matter.' A social media photo showed Bouchat placing a statue of the Greek philosopher Aristotle on his empty seat before leaving the chamber.

  • The resolution was drafted by Delegate Arikan on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The initial vote to advance the resolution passed 102-14 on the same day.

The players

Lauren Arikan

A Republican delegate representing Harford County's District 7B, and a member of the Freedom Caucus, who drafted the resolution to expel her colleague Christopher Bouchat.

Christopher Bouchat

A Republican delegate representing portions of Carroll and Frederick counties in District 5, who has repeatedly failed to show up for legislative sessions and committee meetings since February.

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What they’re saying

“He's not even calling in to let us know that he's not going to be here. He just refuses to show.”

— Lauren Arikan, Delegate

“After I saw that it was having really a negative impact on our ability to function as a committee, in some cases, I thought enough is enough.”

— Lauren Arikan, Delegate

What’s next

The resolution to expel Delegate Bouchat will now go to the House Rules Committee, which will hold a hearing and decide whether the measure can advance further.

The takeaway

This rare move to expel a sitting legislator highlights the growing partisan divisions and dysfunction within the Maryland state government, raising concerns about the ability of lawmakers to effectively represent their constituents.