By Adam Pagnucco.
Former Congressman David Trone, who represented Congressional District 6 from 2018 through 2024, has announced a primary challenge against his successor, April McClain Delaney. Trone left the seat to run unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate. The announcement confirms weeks of rumors as well as reports of a poll that Trone was considering a comeback. This sets up an unusual, high-stakes primary battle for Maryland’s most competitive congressional seat between two well-monied power players. The winner will go on to face significant Republican competition.
Trone’s announcement video is embedded below. His press release follows.
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2025
info@davidtrone.com
Congressman David Trone Announces Campaign for U.S. House in Maryland’s 6th District
In a statement, Trone says communities from Gaithersburg to Oakland need a fighter in Congress who will stand up to Trump and MAGA Republicans’ attacks
Gaithersburg, MD. – Today, Congressman David Trone announced his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District, a position he held from 2019-2025.
Watch David’s Announcement Video Here
“Watching Trump and Republicans’ assault on our democracy — weaponizing the government and tearing apart families — is intolerable and goes against everything we stand for. Our fundamental freedoms are being dismantled piece by piece. The people of Maryland’s 6th District need a fighter who will stand up against these attacks every single day. I’ve never been someone who stood on the sidelines when I saw something wrong, and now more than ever, I cannot sit by. That’s why I’m running for Congress,” said Congressman Trone.
“I was taught from an early age that you have to fight for what matters most in life. I grew up on a struggling family farm, fighting to make ends meet, relying on student loans to get through graduate school. I fought to build a business from one small store into one of the nation’s largest retailers. And through it all, I learned that progress demands grit, steadfast commitment to your ideals, and standing up for one another and your community. That’s exactly what we need in Congress right now — fighters who stand with their communities boldly, relentlessly, and without compromise.
“Donald Trump is swinging a wrecking ball at our country and our democracy. In Congress, I confronted him head-on — voting twice to impeach him and backing reforms to rein in his abuse of power. I’ve fought politicians who use their office for self-interest, defended women’s access to abortion, and have been unequivocal in my support of immigrant families in the face of Republican attacks. We can’t have any Democrats in Congress siding with Trump and MAGA Republicans. This is the moment to rise and fight. And that’s why I’m running.”
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