By Adam Pagnucco.
Here is one thing on which Republicans and Democrats agree: members of both parties regard the Congressional District 6 seat as important, not just for itself but also in controlling the U.S. House of Representatives. And that means both parties are desperate to win it. Partisan voters are also interested in this and general election competitiveness will factor into their voting decisions. Let’s see how the candidates make their case.
Why are you the best general election candidate for your party?
Peter Choharis (Democrat): Who is most electable and who will be most effective in Congress?
I’m a small businessperson and the 6th District has elected a businessperson for the last 12 years. In addition to starting my own business from scratch, I’ve helped U.S. startups, U.S. investors overseas, and even foreign countries with economic development. I can help create economic opportunities throughout the Sixth District.
I’ve been a lawyer for decades. I’ve litigated tough cases in federal courts throughout the United States.
I’ve been a law professor and legal scholar. If the Supreme Court guts environmental protections and worker rights, or if the rightwing tries to outlaw abortion nationwide, I know how to fight them.
I’m an expert in foreign policy and international law. I’ve lived, worked, and traveled to dozens of countries. I’ve negotiated with ministers and a Head of State. I’ve written dozens of articles in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and others. CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, and many others have interviewed me. I’ll be ready Day One to help the Administration defend our national security.
I’ve also been a policy leader in our party since I served as the Executive Director of the 2004 Democratic Party Platform.
George Gluck (Democrat): The fastest growing group of voters is the unaffiliated. After 3 decades as a registered Democrat, after donating time and money to Candidate Clinton in 1992, his signing of a Democratic -passed NAFTA bill, which sending almost a million jobs overseas, lead me to believe that the leadership of the party strayed from our roots. For 2 decades, I was a member of neither major party. In November, CD6 Democrats will all likely vote for the Democratic nominee, but that person must attract unaffiliated voters to assure the seat is not lost to the Republican candidate. I am the best general candidate to accomplish that!
Ashwani Jain (Democrat): What is needed in Congress is someone who understands how to build coalitions at the federal level and fight for increased federal funding for our district (through existing funds and through programs like Community Project Funding). I have the most expansive federal experience of anyone in the race. This includes being appointed to two different offices in the Obama White House and two federal agencies. I am committed to ensuring that from day 1 constituents can call my office, talk to a real person, and receive assistance working with federal agencies.
Lesley Lopez (Democrat): This is a complicated district in a complicated time in our history, and I’m the most experienced candidate and lawmaker in the race.
I’m a proven legislator with a track record of bipartisan success and a working mom who knows the challenges families face. In my two terms in the General Assembly, I’ve taken on tough issues and won with bipartisan support every time. Plus, District 39, which I have proudly represented for six years, is 29% Independent, whereas CD6 is only 21%. I’m used to talking to Independants more than anyone else in this race. I also spent four years on the Judiciary Committee with Dan Cox, so I know all his tricks and how to out maneuver him. Last year, as President of the Women’s Caucus, we led on reproductive rights, which will be one of the major issues in the general election, and I’m excited about being helpful in addressing Hogan’s failures in this area. I’m also the only candidate in the trace to have extensive experience working on Capitol Hill so I am ready to hit the ground running and deliver for the 6th District.
Tekesha Martinez (Democrat): Maryland’s 6th district has been repeatedly represented by candidates who have moved outside of the district to run here. I was born and raised in Western Maryland, and I know that we sit on good ground that can be nurtured to bear fruit. I did not get into this race to seek a promotion or to gain notoriety, but instead to deliver results for marginalized communities who for too long have not had a seat at the table. In addition, I take pride in the fact that my campaign has rejected corporate PAC donations and has been the largest grassroots funded campaign of any Democrat or Republican. I won’t be fighting for large dollar donors; rather, I’ll be fighting for the issues that affect our communities in Maryland’s 6th district from MoCo to Mountain Maryland.
Ultimately, my experience as the executive of Hagerstown has taught me how to work relationships on the ground to get things done, and when talking to Democrats, Republicans, or Independents on the ground between May and November, I am confident that our campaign can focus on the key issues that will be able to win this race in the general election.
April McClain Delaney (Democrat): My platform is “common sense, common ground” is what every voter – Democrat, Republican and independent – is looking for. Maryland’s 6th is the only competitive district in Maryland and one of the most competitive in the nation. Control of the House may be decided by this District. One of my opponents has not heeded Governor Moore’s advice to keep the primary civil and has attacked me for talking to Republicans. My answer to that “tired old politics as usual attack” is that while I have unmatched democratic party credentials I also know how to work with people and find common ground. That is what voters want and this is how you win a competitive District. Voters in Maryland 6th District know that I bring the kind experience needed to solve problems – experience as the mom of four daughters, a nonprofit leader, an entrepreneur and a Biden appointee. I have run the most robust campaign, which will continue into the general election. I have raised more money than any of my opponents (which is important to win a competitive District), been showing up everywhere in the District, organizing volunteers and have been communicating a positive, winning message all across the District.
Laurie-Anne Sayles (Democrat): As a highly accomplished elected official on the Gaithersburg City Council and the Montgomery County Council, I successfully led my hometown through some of the nation’s most challenging times. Despite economic uncertainty, demands for racial justice, small businesses on the verge of collapse, the longest governmental shutdown on record, and the pandemic, I remained resolute, ensuring our community emerged stronger.
As the only full-time lawmaker representing 40% of the electorate, I’m committed to advancing S.M.A.R.T.E.R. policies to ensure Washington works for us. I possess the necessary skills and experience to restore trust and confidence in our residents to deliver the resources and investments they deserve.
Moreover, I am a highly experienced public health professional, having worked for some of the top health research agencies in the United States, including the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.), the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), over the last 15 years.
With my unparalleled expertise and recognized leadership skills in policymaking and public health, I am prepared to hit the ground running in Congress to continue making a significant difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Joe Vogel (Democrat): As one of the few gay, Latino, Gen-Z legislators running for Congress, it’s clear our country is in need of new voices in government, especially communities of color, young people, and immigrants. I am running to be a voice for these communities. Beyond offering representation, I am running as an experienced legislator ready to defend Marylanders’ interests in Congress. Being a legislator taught me a lot about being a representative of my community. I learned how to work across the aisle, gaining unanimous support for laws like the Testing for Fentanyl Act. I’ve also learned to recognize when bipartisan compromise wasn’t an option, fiercely opposing attempts to limit reproductive freedom or discriminate against trans athletes. The most important thing I learned, however, is showing up. From Oakland to Gaithersburg, I’ve made it my mission on this campaign to prioritize meeting voters where they are, and recognize that in order to succeed in the primary and the general, one has to build support across Western Maryland. I’ve done that since day one of this campaign. These lessons prepare me well to fight for Marylanders in the general election and beyond.
Chris Hyser (Republican): I am the optimal candidate for our party for several reasons. Firstly, I am the only candidate advocating for an “America First” agenda, prioritizing the interests and well-being of our nation above all else. Secondly, I bring a fresh perspective as a non-career politician, offering new solutions unencumbered by political entanglements. Moreover, residing within our district, I understand firsthand the needs and concerns of our community, unlike some fleeing from the radical politics of District 8. My commitment to representing our district faithfully, coupled with my dedication to upholding American values, makes me the strongest candidate to lead our party in the general election.
Neil Parrott (Republican): I served for 12 years in the Maryland House of Delegates and was the Republican nominee for Congress in Maryland’s sixth district. I fought against Maryland’s undemocratic, gerrymandered congressional maps, and won, making the sixth district more representative for the people. I listen to people and love helping my constituents. I was born in Bethesda, grew up in Maryland, became an Eagle Scout, a professional engineer, an MBA, and a small-business owner. I’m a husband and father of three and I like working for practical, common-sense solutions to big problems.
The House Freedom Caucus just endorsed me, because I have a proven record of conservative accomplishments, not just talk. In the Maryland house, I fought against illegal immigration, gerrymandered maps, and dangerous soft on crime policies, and for lower taxes, smaller government and more personal freedom.
Winning this race will take experience. I came close to beating David Trone in 2022, even while being outspent 10 to 1 against the richest member of Congress. His campaign smeared me, lied about my record, and attacked my family. I weathered those storms and fought back. I know I have what it takes to beat whoever the Democrats put forward in the fall.
Mariela Roca (Republican): As a dedicated mother and seasoned military veteran with a background in medical logistics, I am uniquely equipped to serve as the ideal general election candidate for our Republican party. My experience in the U.S. Air Force, including deployments to Afghanistan, has honed my leadership skills and ingrained in me a deep sense of duty and service. Working in medical logistics, I ensured our troops received vital supplies, a responsibility that instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of healthcare access and support for veterans.
Transitioning to civilian life, I continued my commitment to service at Fort Detrick, further bolstering my expertise in healthcare and logistics. My academic background with a Doctorate in business administration, coupled with hands-on experience in business development, provides me with a comprehensive understanding of complex issues facing our community, including healthcare access and veterans’ support.
Above all, my dedication to principled leadership and representing the interests of our community drives me forward. I am ready to bring my unique blend of experience and passion to Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, advocating for policies that benefit families, veterans, and all members of our community.
Brenda Thiam (Republican): As a former state delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, I have the experience of writing bills, debating in committee and on the floor, and advocating for funding to support various projects in my district that were important to constituents. While serving in the general assembly, I have boldly stood up for legislation that represented far-left policies that did more harm to the public than good. I’d do it again for the sake of helping to save our country. My experiences in the state legislature have prepared me for the work in Congress. I’m equipped and ready to serve.
Jason “Mr. J” Johnson (Unaffiliated): I am running to ensure that going forward Maryland will be represented in our nation’s capital from a non-partisan and service focused mindset. Partisan politics often clouds the judgment of those in office. This leads to closed ears on important discussions, petty rivalries and unneeded grandstanding which results in limited service to citizens. As your representative in U.S. Congress I will work to overcome partisan strife and focus on leadership that inspires collaboration, not only to meet the challenges faced by our district, but those that affect our nation. I will seek to initiate and support programs that bring needed funds and opportunities to our district and state, helping move us forward towards a shared and prosperous future.
As an Independent candidate I have the privilege of engaging citizens in the democratic process, as I require signatures to gain access to the ballot. Those seeking more choice in this year’s election can support me by completing the petition at www.MrJforCongress.com.
*****
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)
That’s it for our questionnaire, folks. Now it’s up to you. Contemplate these answers and cast your votes!