Maryland state Sen. Sarah Elfreth emerged as the winner of the Democratic primary for an open House seat, defeating a former Capitol Police officer named Harry Dunn, among other candidates. Elfreth is now expected to be the heavy favorite in the general election to fill the seat left vacant by retiring Rep. John Sarbanes in Maryland’s 3rd District, which is solidly Democratic. Dunn, a 15-year veteran of the Capitol Police force, gained recognition for his role in defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and became a prominent figure on cable news and in a televised House Jan. 6 committee hearing.
Despite being a political newcomer, Dunn managed to significantly out-raise over 20 other candidates in the Democratic primary race, including Elfreth and four other state lawmakers. However, the dynamics of the race shifted in the final weeks as outside money from the super PAC United Democracy Project (UDP) poured in to support Elfreth’s campaign. The super PAC, which is associated with the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee, spent over $4 million on TV ads in the Baltimore market to boost Elfreth’s candidacy. Dunn pushed back against this outside spending, pointing out the ties between the UDP donors and prominent Republican figures such as Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Lauren Boebert.
Elfreth clarified that by law, she cannot coordinate with any super PAC and was unsure why UDP was supporting her campaign. She emphasized her legislative record in Annapolis, highlighting bills related to solar energy, Chesapeake Bay restoration, and other issues that have been signed into law. Elfreth campaigned on a platform that included protecting women’s reproductive rights and addressing climate change, particularly in light of major flooding that has affected parts of the district. She emphasized the importance of being there for constituents during their most challenging times, regardless of their political affiliations.
In her campaign, Elfreth focused on her ability to assist constituents during times of crisis, such as tornadoes, gun violence, and flooding. She emphasized the importance of being accessible and responsive to constituents’ needs, noting that people care more about feeling supported in times of difficulty rather than specific votes or policy positions. Elfreth also highlighted her efforts in advocating for issues such as women’s reproductive rights and climate change, aiming to address the urgent challenges facing the district. Overall, she emphasized her commitment to being a responsive and supportive representative for the people of Maryland’s 3rd District.
In addition to addressing local challenges, Elfreth sought to differentiate herself from her opponents by promoting her legislative record on issues such as renewable energy and environmental conservation. She highlighted her success in passing bills related to solar energy and Chesapeake Bay restoration, underscoring her commitment to advancing policies that benefit the environment and local communities. Elfreth positioned herself as a candidate with a strong track record of legislative accomplishments, which she believes demonstrates her ability to effectively represent the interests of Maryland residents in Congress. Through her campaign, Elfreth presented herself as a candidate with the experience and dedication needed to address the pressing issues facing the district and secure a bright future for its residents.
