In Maryland, the upcoming elections are shaping up to be more competitive than usual. With a mix of Democratic and Republican candidates vying for open House seats and a Senate seat, the Old Line State could see some surprises in November. In a series titled “Old Line, New Battles: Maryland feels the primary pinch,” the Truth Voices is analyzing key figures and issues leading up to the election. Part four focuses on the three open House races in Maryland.
The 2nd Congressional District, spanning parts of Baltimore and Carroll Counties, has six Democratic and three Republican candidates running. While it is expected to be a safe Democratic seat, Republican hopefuls like Kim Klacik are optimistic about their chances. Klacik, a former candidate in 2020, raised over $8 million during her campaign, gaining recognition nationally. On the Democratic side, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. appears to be a front-runner with key endorsements from notable figures.
The 3rd Congressional District, covering Howard County and parts of other counties, has a crowded field with 22 Democrats and nine Republicans. Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, known for his actions during the Capitol riot, leads the Democratic field in fundraising. However, he faces scrutiny over past allegations, while state Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth has gained support from groups like AIPAC.
In the 6th Congressional District, with a mix of seven Republicans and 16 Democrats, former state Delegate Dan Cox and former delegate Neil Parrott stand out as familiar names. Cox, a vocal supporter of Trump, believes he can win over voters this time around. On the Democratic side, Joe Vogel emphasizes his bipartisan experience, while Ashwani Jain advocates for progressive policies and local representation.
As Maryland prepares for its primaries, all eyes will be on these contested races as Democrats and Republicans compete for their party’s nod. Polls are set to close at 8 p.m. Eastern time on election day.
