By Adam Pagnucco.
April McClain Delaney is now widely regarded as the Democratic frontrunner in Congressional District 6. But let’s not overlook the strong month enjoyed by the man who may be emerging as her strongest competitor, Delegate Joe Vogel.
Just look at these recent events.
March 8 – Vogel announces endorsements by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and two of its local unions. ATU represents transit workers at WMATA and other transit systems in the region and often plays in local elections.
March 12 – Vogel announces an endorsement by the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter. The Sierra Club does not spend a lot of money to push its endorsees like some interest groups, but its brand is widely recognized among progressive voters.
March 18 – Democrat Geoffrey Grammer withdraws from the CD6 race and endorses Delaney. That’s obviously a plus for Delaney. But it’s also good for Vogel because Grammer was the only candidate who had more receipts than Vogel through the end of 2023 other than Delaney. Having a well-funded opponent drop out gives Vogel an opportunity to gobble up some space in the race. This comes on top of Joel Rubin’s departure. Yes, Rubin endorsed Delaney too, but Vogel (who is Jewish) may now have an opportunity to pick up some voters who may have considered Rubin (who is also Jewish).
March 22 – Vogel announces an endorsement by the Human Rights Campaign, a large LGBTQ+ organization. The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund notes that if Vogel is elected, he would be the first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress in Maryland’s history.
March 26 – The National Education Association (NEA), the parent organization of most teachers unions in Maryland, announces its endorsements of Vogel in CD6, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski in CD2 and Senator Sarah Elfreth in CD3. The teachers’ Apple Ballot is one of the most coveted endorsements in Montgomery County and many other Maryland jurisdictions as well.
Look, I’m not saying that Vogel is going to win. Delaney is regarded as the Democratic frontrunner for several good reasons: her well-known surname, her fundraising and her campaign team, which includes David Blair veterans Bill Knapp (TV), Fred Yang (polling) and Susan Kenedy (communications). I worked with all three on Blair’s 2022 campaign and they’re outstanding.
The knock on Vogel is that he’s too young to be in Congress. Sure, I guess. But here’s the thing: Vogel won’t be young forever. He has time to build his career. And what he’s doing now is showing that he has game. He is raising money, working the district, forming relationships, getting endorsements and showing that he knows how to run a real race. That kind of reputation is hugely beneficial in politics and will serve him well in the future.
As for the rest of the field, there is some real talent here. Lesley Lopez is a solid Delegate who is well regarded by my source network. Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez has been a pretty good fundraiser, especially in small contributions. Montgomery County Council Member Laurie-Anne Sayles is not giving up her at-large seat, which is a good platform for future races. Rubin will run for something else someday – he’s a smart fellow, a good communicator, a former Town of Chevy Chase council member and a champion of the local Jewish community. As for the Republicans, former Delegates Dan Cox and Neil Parrott and Air Force veteran Mariela Roca have all built GOP bases for the future, whatever their fortunes may hold.
One last thing. In 1986, a brash young Hill staffer was elected as a Delegate from Montgomery County. Two years later, he ran for Congress and lost the general election in a landslide. What did he do? He went back to work in Annapolis, built up his political base and won a wild race for Comptroller in 2006. That young 1980s punk was Peter Franchot, who wound up having a long and notable career in Maryland politics.
So whether he wins or loses this year, as long as he keeps working, keeps building and keeps growing, Joe Vogel may be the ultimate winner in the future. Don’t count the young’un out!