By Adam Pagnucco.
We don’t deal with foreign policy on this site much because we stick to state and local issues. However, foreign policy is an important part of Congress’s portfolio and voters are right to be concerned about it. So we asked this question:
What is America’s top foreign policy challenge and how should we meet it?
Chris Hyser (Republican): America’s top foreign policy challenge lies in navigating complex relationships with Russia, China, and addressing the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Palestine/Israel. Each of these challenges poses unique geopolitical and security concerns that require nuanced diplomacy and strategic engagement.
With Russia, the challenge involves managing tensions over issues such as territorial disputes, cybersecurity threats, and interference in democratic processes. Diplomatic efforts should prioritize dialogue, transparency, and where possible, cooperation on mutual interests like nuclear non-proliferation and climate change.
Regarding China, the primary challenge is balancing economic interdependence with competition over influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The approach should involve a mix of engagement on shared global issues, such as advocacy for human rights and fair-trade practices.
In the Middle East, resolving conflicts involving Palestine/Israel demands a commitment to promoting dialogue, fostering mutual understanding, and supporting diplomatic efforts towards a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace agreement. This requires engagement with regional stakeholders, including neighboring states and international organizations, while respecting the aspirations and rights of all parties involved.
Through principled leadership and proactive engagement, America can navigate these complex dynamics to advance its interests while promoting stability and cooperation on the global stage.
Neil Parrott (Republican): Right now, due to the Biden administration’s flagrant refusals to enforce our immigration laws, our biggest foreign policy challenge is right on our border. We must stop the influx of illegal immigrants from all over the world from permanently entering our country. We must stop the cartels that bring human trafficking, Chinese fentanyl and other drugs, and other miseries to our country. Without a functioning border and a functioning system to deal with criminal aliens, we don’t have a country and we don’t have a coherent foreign policy.
Beyond the border, Chinese cyber-terrorism and cyber-espionage are crippling our businesses and stealing billions of our dollars. In Congress, I will work to bring the full force of the US Military and intelligence community to stop cyber-terrorism attacks and to prevent blackmail payments going to terrorists. China must be held accountable for their rampant espionage and intellectual property theft. We must support Taiwan and Hong Kong against the CCP’s war on their economic and political freedoms.
Mariela Roca (Republican): America’s top foreign policy challenge lies in managing nuclear-capable rogue states like Iran, Russia, and China. These nations pose significant threats to global stability and regional security. To address this challenge effectively, it is imperative to elect strong leaders committed to robust deterrence strategies. Such leaders should prioritize diplomatic engagement while maintaining a firm stance against aggression. Diplomacy must be coupled with a clear demonstration of military strength to deter potential adversaries from attacking the US and its allies. Moreover, fostering strong alliances and partnerships with like-minded nations is essential in building a unified front against common threats. Additionally, investing in advanced defense technologies and bolstering cybersecurity measures are crucial steps to safeguard national interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. By adopting a multifaceted approach that combines diplomacy, deterrence, and cooperation, America can navigate the challenges posed by nuclear-capable rogue states effectively.
Brenda Thiam (Republican): America’s top foreign policy challenge is giving billions of dollars of aid to allies (i.e. Ukraine), while US citizens are struggling and dying right here in America. Other foreign countries have not given as much aid to Ukraine as the U.S. has given. There should be a hard line of how much is given and for how long; otherwise, the aid becomes a bottomless pit of blank checks with no end in sight.
Jason “Mr. J” Johnson (Unaffiliated): Currently, the most pressing foreign policy challenges facing America is the Middle East. It is crucial that we take the steps necessary to de-escalate the current conflict, prevent further turmoil, and provide vital assistance to those devastated by the ravages of war.
Peter Choharis (Democrat): China is our greatest economic and military rival. It is aggressive regionally, threatens Taiwan, engages in unfair trade practices, has used its “Belt and Road Initiative” to make developing countries debt dependent, and is contributing capital and technology to Russia’s war machine.
Militarily, I support: The Biden Administration promoting the U.S.-Japan-Australia-India quadrilateral dialogue (“Quad”). The Administration has entered into the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (“AUKUS”) pact to produce nuclear-powered submarines for Australia and promote other advanced technologies. NATO has started including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea in its annual summits. President Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea recently pledged to consult in the event of security contingencies, which mirrors language in a collective defense treaty. We should also explore that idea of an “Asia NATO.”
Economically and otherwise, I support the bipartisan House Select Committee on China and its work to develop economic, technological, and other responses to China’s hegemonic ambitions and threats to U.S. national and economic security interests. I would also like to serve on this Committee.
George Gluck (Democrat): America’s top foreign policy challenge is to reducing the number of wars around the world. We need to return to initiating programs like the Alliance for Progress.
Ashwani Jain (Democrat): All military aid we send to any country should be conditioned on upholding humanitarian law as defined by the UN. We already have this practice (under the Leahy Law) and already have regulations set in place from our Departments of Justice, State and Defense.
Lesley Lopez (Democrat): While there are very clear and significant challenges in global political dynamics (Ukraine and Russia, China and Taiwan, Gaza, North Korea), I truly believe the biggest threat to America’s foreign policy is electing Donald Trump as president. Our country can only have positive international influence if we are seen as credible. Another Trump presidency would diminish America’s international reputation at a time when stability is needed more than ever.
Tekesha Martinez (Democrat): America’s top foreign policy challenge is ensuring that we can maintain American competitiveness abroad while simultaneously protecting jobs at home here in Western Maryland. Legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act not only revitalizes domestic manufacturing and creates good-paying American jobs but also ensures that the United States can continue to be a leader in the industries of tomorrow from quantum computing to clean energy. It is critical that our government continues to invest in American companies and greater scientific research and development. In addition, our foreign policy strategy should strive to ensure that goods in critical industries—from clean energy to semiconductors—are made by American workers for the American people.
Simultaneously, I believe in community-centered development, meaning that new jobs created in the United States should be high-paying, high-quality, and union jobs. Increasing American competitiveness abroad should not just be an issue we talk about in Washington as a matter of foreign policy, but also an issue area that benefits and meaningfully impacts working people in our communities.
April McClain Delaney (Democrat): We have many foreign policy challenges but most of them relate to a broad theme I have about how the world is increasingly fragmenting and realigning. These trends are leading to the rise of autocrats, aggressors and other enemies of freedom (as Putin’s invasion of Ukraine demonstrates), the rise of China’s increasingly aggressive economic and military posture, and renewed conflict in the middle east, particularly after the Hamas attack on Israel. The answer is to continue to strengthen our alliances like NATO, support a strong national defense, promote US economic interests and alliances, support our democratic allies and lead on important issues like climate, which if left unaddressed, will lead to greater geopolitical risk from more migration. We must also support our own democracy and our domestic and international institutions that have been built post-WWII and which contributed to the end of the cold war, the spread of democracy and a stable world for decades. There are no easy answers to our instability in the world, but we must be clear eyed as to these challenges.
Laurie-Anne Sayles (Democrat): America’s top foreign policy challenges are addressing national security threats, emerging powers, and the shifting global balance of power, like the rise of China and the ongoing competition with Russia. Our goal should be to help our allies protect themselves from other countries and entities that seek to destabilize them while also trying to de-escalate areas of the world that are at war or on the brink of war. Although foreign aid is expensive, it has been central to America’s foreign policy for decades, promoting freedom and democracy and protecting human rights worldwide. Moreover, humanitarian and economic challenges, like compassionate immigration reform, promoting sustainable development, and global inequality, need to be addressed.
To tackle these challenges, the United States must engage in diplomatic efforts, maintain strong alliances, and prioritize dialogue and cooperation with other nations. It is also crucial to respect human rights, promote democratic values, and address the root causes of conflict and instability.
Ultimately, the U.S. should work towards finding solutions that promote the well-being and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background or location, through diplomatic efforts, economic development, and humanitarian aid.
Joe Vogel (Democrat): Responsibly managing the escalating strategic competition with China is the preeminent foreign policy challenge we face in that it touches on so many critical aspects of policy: economic outcomes, military security, climate change, and more. The foremost concern of the United States in this matter should be promoting the security and wellbeing of the American people. This involves taking immediate steps to promote national security: strengthening our supply chains to reduce economic dependency on China, promoting freedom of navigation, and investing in critical emerging technologies. Equally important is investing in bilateral and multilateral security and economic partnerships in the region. That said, we must remain committed to diplomacy even amidst heightened tensions. Whether in addressing the climate crisis, international development, or scientific advancement, there are opportunities for cooperation. Particularly on the issue of climate change, U.S.-China cooperation will be the centerpiece of reducing global emissions and building international consensus to overcome this challenge. Even while finding opportunities for cooperation however, the United States must remain strong in our defense of human rights, free trade, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must continue to be a champion of those causes around the world.
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These candidates did not respond.
Stephen McDow (D)
Mohammed Mozumder (D)
Adrian Petrus (D)
Destiny Drake West (D)
Kiambo “Bo” White (D)
Altimont Wilks (D)
Dan Cox (R)
Todd Puglisi (R)
Tom Royals (R)
Moshe Landman (Green)
Next: The district’s most pressing need from the federal government.