By Adam Pagnucco.
Peter Choharis, a Democrat running for Congress in District 6, has dropped out of the race and endorsed one of his former opponents, April McClain Delaney. As of the 1st quarter campaign finance reports, Choharis was roughly in the middle of the pack in total receipts and cash on hand. This follows earlier decisions by former Democratic candidates Joel Rubin and Geoffrey Grammer to drop out and support Delaney.
Choharis’s video statement and transcript are reprinted below.
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So much is at stake in this election: our planet’s climate, reproductive rights, economic opportunity, leadership in foreign policy, and even protecting our very democracy.
These are the reasons I entered this race to represent you in Congress. I want to ensure people have good wages, access to education without huge debt, and an economy that offers the next generation a better future instead of leaving them behind. I want to help make sure that we build a green economy, so that we will have a better future not just for my daughters’ generation, but for all the generations that follow. I want to make sure women have the right to make decisions about their own health. And I want to make sure America is strong not just domestically, but also stands by our allies to protect freedom and democracy overseas.
As a lawyer and human rights advocate, a relief worker in war and famine zones, and as a lifelong Democrat, I have fought for all these things. Running in this race has shown me firsthand how important these issues are. From days on farms and in barns talking to farmers; to walking neighborhood streets and hearing from business owners and workers; to listening to our seniors, union members, and community leaders; I have been inspired by their stories. This experience has reaffirmed my efforts to help them and strengthen our communities.
I have also learned a lot about being a candidate and running a campaign. While I am thrilled by all the progress we’ve made over the last few months and all the momentum we are gaining, I also understand that we do not have enough runway to win the nomination in May. And that is why I want to devote my time and energy to help Democrats who will help accomplish all the things I just mentioned by keeping Maryland blue.
Make no mistake, after this election is over in November, I will continue to help our Party where I can have an impact on these issues and the people they affect. But for now, I want to empower the leaders that I think will be best for this election.
That is why I am endorsing April McClain Delaney to be the next Member of Congress from Maryland’s Sixth District. April is someone who has shown she will use her experience and skills to help people. She has been a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and had an important role serving in the Biden Administration. She has run a positive campaign and has always been friendly, open, and honest with me. Because of these reasons, I am not only endorsing April, I will be working hard to help her, and other Democrats across Maryland and the United States, win this election. We all need to do everything we can to make sure our future is protected by electing those who seek to advance progress, rather than undo it. And I will do everything I can to help make this happen—for April and for all of you.
I want to close by thanking the rest of the candidates in this race. I felt privileged to be part of this process with you and I look forward to working with you to move Maryland forward.
Thank you.