A former police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol against rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, Harry Dunn is running in a crowded Maryland Democratic primary along with several state legislators including state Sen. Sarah Elfreth in a competitive race for an open seat in Congress. Dunn’s celebrity has helped draw national attention to the 22-candidate primary to replace outgoing Rep. John Sarbanes. Supporters in the heavily Democratic 3rd Congressional District that runs between Baltimore and the nation’s capital praise Dunn as a defender of democracy. He testified at a hearing of the House committee that probed the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol.
Five state legislators who are familiar to voters in the district are also receiving support in Tuesday’s primary. Alex Miletich said his familiarity with his state senator was a big reason he voted early for Elfreth, who is in her second term in a district that includes the state capital. Everett Bellamy said he voted for Del. Terri Hill because he liked what the Howard County legislator had to say at a candidate forum. Dunn, who announced his candidacy in January, a day before the third anniversary of the violent attack at the Capitol by a mob of Donald Trump supporters, said voters regularly thank him for serving as a police officer. He has campaigned on being on the front line defending democracy. Elfreth has been highlighting her work as a state legislator and helping constituents.
Dunn’s campaign has been successful at raising money, with about $4.6 million from donors across the country. Elfreth has raised about $1.5 million, though she also received more than $4 million from a super political action committee. The money from United Democracy Project, affiliated with a pro-Israel group known as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has grabbed headlines and is funding television ads and mailings supporting Elfreth. In an interview, Elfreth said she did not have any advance notice about the donation.
The upcoming primary is said to be a wide open field, with voters having difficulty getting a sense of all the different candidates’ positions. Dunn has campaigned on being the best candidate for this moment in time, while Elfreth has focused on building a big tent and speaking to as many voters as possible. The race is expected to be close, with both candidates making their first runs for office and receiving support from various groups. Dunn’s bravery during the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol has resonated with supporters, while Elfreth’s work as a state legislator and endorsements from teachers union, environmental groups, and unions have bolstered her campaign.
The primary is set to take place in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, with a wide array of candidates vying for the open seat in Congress. Both Dunn and Elfreth are seen as strong contenders in the crowded race, with their respective backgrounds and campaign strategies appealing to different segments of the electorate. As the primary approaches, the candidates are ramping up their efforts to connect with voters, highlight their accomplishments, and make their case for why they should represent the district in Congress. The outcome of the primary will have significant implications for the future of the district and the representation it receives in Washington.
