Voter Guide

Find Your Races

U.S. Senator Choose 1

DUTIES: U.S. Senators make laws along with the members of the U.S. House of Representatives., ratify treaties, and conduct investigations on issues of national importance. The Senate confirms presidential appointments, including Supreme Court justices.TERM: Six years. No term limit.SALARY: $174,000.HOW ELECTED: Elected statewide. In 2024, Maryland voters will elect one of our two Senators. About one-third of the 100 members of the Senate are elected every two years.WEBSITE: www.senate.govCANDIDATE FORUM: April 2 - Goucher College (Angela Alsobrooks and David Trone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPyvq67ORYU

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Angela Alsobrooks (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter facebook.com/teamalsobrooks
Campaign Email info@angelaalsobrooks.com
Campaign Instagram @alsobrooksformd
Campaign Twitter Handle @AlsobrooksForMD
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 6058
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Largo, MD 20792

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I am proud to have spent my life in public service, first as an Assistant State’s Attorney focused on domestic violence cases, then as State’s Attorney, where under my tenure violent crime dropped by 50%, and most recently as Prince George’s County Executive.

I know Marylanders deserve a Senator who both fights for them and shares their concerns. I am running for Senate to be a voice for families like the ones I grew up with and whom I have worked for throughout my life.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

I will fight to eliminate the filibuster and pass critical legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and Freedom to Vote Act. I'm proud to be endorsed by Congressman John Sarbanes and End Citizens United // Let America Vote, two leading voices for protecting voting rights, strengthening election laws and taking money out of politics.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis. I will be a vocal advocate for the Green New Deal, as well as for expanding tax credits for clean energy and ensuring that all U.S. Government purchases, from buildings to vehicles, align with emission goals. As County Executive, I issued an Executive Order for Prince George's County, setting ambitious targets to reduce the 2005 emission levels by half before 2030 and net zero by 2045. I believe the U.S. should adopt a similar timeline.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

I will be a strong advocate for comprehensive immigration reform to mend the broken immigration system, including creating a pathway to citizenship for those already living and working in the United States. I will support initiatives such as the American Dream and Promise Act, aimed at safeguarding the rights and future of DREAMers and TPS recipients. I firmly believe these individuals deserve certainty and security, regardless of who holds the office of the President.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

As a mother, I have been deeply affected by the tragic loss of too many children to gun violence and am frustrated by the lack of action from Washington. I am committed to fighting for essential gun safety legislation to protect children and communities from gun violence. I will work to implement universal background checks and red flag laws, close the gun show loophole, ban military-style weapons like AR-15s, and prohibit devices like bump stocks.

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Moe H. Barakat (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter https://twitter.com/MBarakatDc
Campaign Phone 227-777-7007
Campaign Email info@moebarakat.com
Campaign Facebook http://facebook.com/MBarakatDC
Campaign Instagram @mbarakatdc
Campaign Twitter Handle @MBarakatDc
Campaign Mailing Address P.O.Box 736
Glen Echo, MD 20812

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I am running for Senate to provide a refreshing alternative from the career politician mold, bringing a unique blend of honesty, leadership, and an exceptional ability to navigate the complex political spectrum to deliver results. As the Managing Director and Treasurer of a well-known US International Business Council, I’ve been instrumental in advancing investment in American states and cities, demonstrating my capability to forge cross-border partnerships that benefit the US economy.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

The United States MUST have free and fair elections. The integrity of these elections is of the utmost importance, and we must reform our election laws to secure voter ID requirements, prevent fraud, ban drop boxes, and stop ballot harvesting.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

In order to address environmental issues, we must prioritize innovation and market-driven solutions rather than implementing overreaching government regulations. Conservatives can conserve our environment without sacrificing economic growth or imposing burdensome regulations.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

First and foremost, we must secure our Southern border and prevent the flow of illegal immigrants into our communities. We must implement strong enforcement measures against illegal immigration. As the child of immigrants who came to this country the right way, I know the American Dream well and will fight for it every day.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

As a pro-Second Amendment candidate, I believe in protecting public safety while upholding our constitutional rights. Restrictions on gun ownership should only target criminals and the mentally unstable, not law-abiding citizens. Strengthening background checks and cracking down on illegal gun trafficking are crucial to ensuring our safety and freedoms.

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Chris Chaffee (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Phone 410-474-5629
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 123
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Barstow, MD 20610

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I am a husband, father, grandfather, Catholic, Patriot, I believe in the Constitution of the United States. I feel our country is going in the wrong direction. I feel my insite as an outsider is exactly what we need.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

We need an ID for everything we do in life. You should need a photo ID to cast your ballot. A special exception for the elderly who may no have a license any longer.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

I would start having all countries do their part in cleaning up the planet. All countries who manufacture need to be as mindful of the health of our planet as we and other countries are. We can all do better and do our part.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

First I would start by closing the border. I would enforce the immigration laws on the books. I would hold Mexico and other countries financially responsible for their citizens buy boycotting trade until they control their own borders.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

I am a defender of the second amendment. I believe if a home has children under 18 years old a trigger locks or a safe must be used for their safety.

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Michael W. Cobb, Sr. (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Website http://cobbroof@gmail.com
Campaign Phone 4436900989
Campaign Email cobbroof@gmail.com

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

Unlike the rest of the candidates, I am not a multi millionaire nor a career politician. What makes me most sutiable as senator is that I am a blue class working person. I have endured server struggle these past few years. The current state of the political world has no clue what the experience is of the normal person who has to work all day to pay bills and afford to eat. But I do, and I with a closer connection to the people will be able to find the solution to their problems.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

The answer to this question is easy, when I was young it was same day voting, paper ballots, and ID required for voting. The election results were always known at 11pm the same now. Bring it back to the old way and it would solve the issue.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Climate change and pollution is not an american problem, we have some of the strictest regulations on emissions in the world. We need to force other countries such has China, Russia, and India to adress their pollution emittions to more american standards.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Lock the border down tight. Anyone who is illegal in the USA caught doing any criminal activity should be deported immediately, and follow all the laws thats already on the books. If anything it should be more difficult to entry the country, not easier.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

I am from Maryland, a state with some of the strictest gun laws in the country. I am a firm beliver in the 2A rights of americans, including the right to carry. I have a carry permit myself. Background checks should be nation wide, not state by state. If a person is found with an illegally purchased fired, the court system must heavily enforce stricter punishment on them. There should always be a background check on any purchase of a firearm in any situation.

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Marcellus Crews (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter facebook.com/Crews2me
Campaign Website http://MarcellusCrews.com
Campaign Phone 3013258898
Campaign Email Info@marcelluscrews.com
Campaign Instagram www.instagram.com/crewsmarcellus
Campaign Twitter Handle @Crews2me

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

As a businessman, having the privilege of serving diverse clients across sectors like healthcare, construction, embassies, churches, and schools. Through my role as a state vendor, I've gained valuable insights into the needs and challenges of our community.

With over 6,000 homes served, I've honed a unique ability to navigate complex issues and budgets while fostering trust and comfort through my leadership approach.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

We should pass H.R.4 – The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 This bill would restore parts of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that prevented states from enacting certain changes to their voting laws. They must first seek federal approval.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Being immersed in technology innovation, I firmly believe that the primary impediment to progress often stems from the relentless pursuit of monetary gain, resulting in inertia. I am confident in my ability to advocate for both businesses and governments to expedite the transition towards efficiency in renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart homes, smart businesses, and smart cities. Additionally, I am committed to mitigating toxic emissions originating from industrial sources.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

1. Immigration processing needs to speed up all the way around. 2. More immigration judges to speed up for those seeking asylum. 3. If allowed to stay in our country while waiting a temporary work visa granted. 4. Dreamers should be given permanent status. 5. Temporary work visa granted processed quicker. 6. More Custom and border protection officers 7. More smart fencing along the boarder. We just need a comprehensive approach!

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

1. I advocate for the integration of advanced smart technologies in gun safety measures. 2. The implementation of Red Flag Laws nationwide is imperative. 3. It is crucial to raise the minimum age for purchasing long guns from 18 to 21. 4. We must prioritize the establishment of mental health programs with robust accountability measures. 5. "Stand Your Ground" laws, we should impose limitations on the circumstances under which deadly force is justified outside of one's home.

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Robin Ficker (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter facebook.com/RobinForUSSenate
Campaign Website http://robinficker@msn.com
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 658
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College Park, MD 20740

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I am a lifelong Marylander, Army Veteran, former Attorney who completed 40,000 cases, MD Real Estate Broker and farmer. I was elected to the MD House of Delegates, fighting to restrain the State budget and against lobbyists. I've placed 25 charter amendments on the ballot, passing term limits and limiting property tax increases. My life has been dedicated to the service of America and Maryland and my track record of success has uniquely prepared me to serve Maryland in the United States Senate.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

First, the Supreme Court should immediately end all efforts to keep Donald Trump off the ballot, and ensure a free and fair election for President. Second, the Federal Government should create a system to track voters who move to a new state, alerting both States of the move. The Federal Government has little constitutional power otherwise, but should facilitate States implementing ID requirements for every vote, bipartisan vote counting and recounting, and security at polling locations.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

I will champion the expansion of Calvert Cliffs clean energy plant, which currently provides 38% of Maryland’s electricity. I will push for expanding America’s overall nuclear energy production, despite ‘environmental’ ‘activists’ efforts to thwart clean energy. I will also vote against treaties that allow China and India to dramatically increase pollution. Finally, I will promote clean-er sources of electricity, such as natural gas, and decrease our reliance on electricity sources like coal.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Annually, a million people enter the U.S. legally, far more than any other country on earth. In 2023, there were 3.2 million illegal migrant encounters. This year 28,000 lbs of fentanyl have been sized at the border. More than 2,500 Marylanders under 25 have died from it. We need to hire and place 2,000 immigration judges at the border to speed up processing. We also need to restore “Remain in Mexico” and “First Neutral Nation” policies, so that our asylum system is not taken advantage of.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

As an Army veteran, I understand the awesome power of guns, and responsibilities that come with firearms ownership. “Gun safety” is not banning firearms. I will promote actual “gun safety” by voting for legislation that increases access to firearms safety training and promotes groups that teach the same. I will also fight for criminal justice reform that ensure that violent offenders, especially those who use guns, are kept in jail and not let loose on our street. I support the Second Amendment.

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Lorie R. Friend (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter @LorieFriendGOP
Campaign Website http://friendinthesenate.com
Campaign Phone 2403213477
Campaign Email electafriend@gmail.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @@LorieFriendGop
Campaign Mailing Address 160 Mitchell Drive
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Oakland, MD 21550

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I am a registered nurse of 27 years. As a nurse, one must listen closely to what someone says and read between the lines to understand what they are communicating. I have had to effectively advocate for my patients as the liaison between doctor and patient. I have had to adapt to changing situations, policies, staff and negotiate effectively in complex situations in an institutional setting. During the Covid pandemic, I held my post every shift. I will effectively advocate for Marylanders!

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Voting integrity is paramount for democracy. If people lose faith in our elections, then there is no incentive to vote. Elections must be fair/honest. I believe we should make voting a 1 day federal holiday with in-person voting and proper identification. Mail in ballots only for our military, oversees personal and the disabled. Ballots must be paper, not electronic, and counted with results reported on the same day.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

As I understand it, the main goal of climate change policy is keeping our environment safe, and many believe we can achieve this with clean renewable energy, However, we need compromise on both sides. While effective green policy may help in aiding the reduction of climate change, we still need resources such as fossil fuels as they are still the lifeblood of our economy and can be used anywhere regardless of location, time, or weather.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Immigration policy change is a difficult subject as so many have already illegally crossed onto American soil. As per our existing laws and policies, one must be detained, vetted, and apply for asylum, not immediately released. The current no border policy is not fair to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who came to our country legally and is dangerous. I believe one should abide by our laws in order to receive citizenship, social benefits, and rights just as every other American.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

There are already ample gun safety legislation in effect. It is not about passing more gun safety laws, criminals will continue to find ways to obtain firearms illegally to commit crimes. While I have no issues with continued screenings and vetting purchasers, and red flagging potential owners with medical/mental instability, I do stand by Americans who legally own and purchase firearms for their protection. It is their 2nd Amendment Right!

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Brian E. Frydenborg (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter bfry1981
Campaign Website http://brian4md.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @bfry1981

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

Over two decades experience engaging on national and international issues issues as a journalist, academic, and working with NGOs and government agencies. Passion for making a different and two decades of studying, writing about, or working in public public, politics, and international affairs. Deep knowledge of U.S. history, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and that I am already putting out far more detailed plans than any of my competitors.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

First and foremost, we must call out, stand up to, and stop insurrectionist fascism. A big part of that will be protecting, preserving, and expanding voting rights; fighting cheating, gerrymandering, and discrimination; and expanding the Supreme Court while reforming the Senate to keep anti-democratic forces at bay. We must also protect against foreign election interference with our NATO allies and ensure that we instill digital literacy among our students and population.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

We must take world leadership and engage in a new round of global climate talks. We should be phasing out coal power and oil while temporarily capitalizing on natural gas and nuclear energy while transition and fully developing far cleaner green energy projects with subsidies and tax breaks. We must also embrace carbon trading and modernize our infrastructure and energy grid, improve waste, food, and water management, and handle overaggressive deforestation and fishing managing soil quality.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

It has been decades over 4 presidencies that GOP has been blocking comprehensive immigration reform. We need to increase all immigration related staff and systems by between a factor of 1.5-2. That means that many more asylum/immigration courts, judges, application processors, administrative staff, border patrol, etc. Needs to be paths to citizenship/work visas to all migrants in good standing (helping address labor shortage), Must work Latin American partners to stabilize LATAM & stem migration

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

My own deep research into the issue makes it clear that the 2nd Amendment has been wildly distorted by modern activists: the original cited right to keep/bear are only meant in the context of militia service dating back to ancient Saxon tradition. Common law individual right is not covered by 2nd A and can be regulated easily. We must expand SCOTUS to restore balance who will correctly interpret 2nd A, then Congress can pass reasonable national gun regulation, which empirically saves lives!

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Scottie J. Griffin (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Phone 3015895390

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

My professional credentials and professional experiences in leadership specifically correlate with the requirements and experiences for achieving success and effectiveness as a United States Senator. have prepared me for immediately assuming and achieving the duties of the united states senate. Most importantly, I am experienced at achieving responsibilities of a United States Senator through years of introducing and drafting bills, proposing and passing legislative policies, developing, organ

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Congress must update the election infrastructure annually and establish consistent procedures and processes in every state and territory; inspect and replace older voting machines and conduct a nationwide post-election audit in each state and territory

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

I would decrease the number of trees to reduce excessive carbon; create vehicles that don’t run on fossil fuel; decrease emission standards of greenhouse gases to decrease the number of carbon monoxide emitted by human activities, and continuously finance climate change initiatives.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

I would create a permanent process which stipulates that immigrants who have resided in the United States for ten years without legal issues be granted full-fledged citizenship and decrease the number of years to five or six years

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Support President Biden’s major gun safety bill in decades which required individuals to ascertain now need a state license to purchase a gun. And, that the bill includes safety legislation for schools, and a state crisis intervention program.

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Larry Hogan (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter twitter.com/GovLarryHogan
Campaign Website http://info@larryhogan.com
Campaign Email ricci@larryhogan.com
Campaign Instagram instagram.com/govlarryhogan
Campaign Twitter Handle @GovLarryHogan
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 6356
Annapolis, MD 21401

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

Governor Hogan has a long record of solving hard problems and overcoming broken politics–including working with the state's Democratic legislature to cut taxes, lower health care costs, and make generational investments in universal broadband and workforce development; leading the nation’s governors through the worst global pandemic in more than a century; and, as co-chair of No Labels, partnering with the Problem Solvers Caucus to advance a historic federal infrastructure bill.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Free and fair elections are the foundation of American democracy and the most basic promise that those in power can pledge to citizens. Governor Hogan supports state and local efforts to ensure safe and secure elections by combating election interference and intimidation. He also looks forward to continuing to work with the League of Women Voters and other leading civic-minded organizations on initiatives to end partisan gerrymandering and restore fairness in the electoral system.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

While Washington was failing to address climate change, Maryland was leading under Governor Hogan–enacting cleaner air standards stronger than 48 other states and far stronger than the Paris Agreement. In addition to supporting strong environmental stewardship and sustainability, he believes it is especially critical to bring both state and federal resources to bear in holding upstream polluters accountable and protecting regional Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

The humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border underscores the need to fix our broken and badly outdated immigration system. One party alone didn’t cause these problems, and one party alone cannot solve them. Governor Hogan will work with any leader willing to set politics aside and work on real solutions–starting with securing the border and addressing the flow of migrants.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Governor Hogan believes it is possible to respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners while making it harder for criminals and the mentally ill to obtain firearms. In addition to red flag legislation, the governor has long called for federal action to institute a federal universal background check system. He also strongly supports providing law enforcement with more tools and resources to protect our communities–including increasing penalties for those who commit a crime with a gun.

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Robert K. Houton (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter @rob_houton
Campaign Website http://www.voterobhouton.com
Campaign Email rob@voterobhouton.com
Campaign Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robert_k_houton/
Campaign Twitter Handle @Rob_Houton
Campaign Mailing Address 5805 Ogden Court
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Bethesda, MD 20816

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I initiated, and championed the fight in the 118th U.S. Congress to prevent fentanyl poisoning and deaths of teens, youth, and students. My bold leadership safeguarding Maryland families and children, particularly, has resulted in three legislative--bipartisan--bills in the U.S. Congress which President Biden and his Administration also support. S.2569, the Fentanyl Safe Testing and Overdose Prevention Act is now going forward due in no small part to my advocacy.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

The U.S. should remain steadfast in ensuring the existing rules and laws protecting voting rights are adhered to, complied with, and effectively communicated to safeguard all eligible voters' rights.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Climate change is real. We must continue to explore pathways for public-private partnerships, including fostering innovation and supporting tax incentives for proven methodologies and practices which protect the environment for our children.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

With 6,400 migrants with criminal histories apprehended so far this fiscal year, we MUST stop migrants with criminal histories from coming through the border. We must SECURE THE BORDER.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Studies have shown time and again that those who struggle with acute mental health problems are more prone to gun violence. We need to invest in mental health supports. I fully support background checks and the banning of "ghost guns."

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John A. Myrick (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter https://twitter.com/JohnMyrickforMD/
Campaign Phone 301-715-5651
Campaign Instagram https://instagram.com/JohnMyrickforSenate/
Campaign Twitter Handle @JohnMyrickforMD/

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I’m not a Politician; I’m a Public Servant. Raised here in Maryland, I have spent my life defending our Nation. I was a Harford County Deputy Sheriff. I served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve; retiring as a highly decorated combat veteran. I was a Senior Civilian Intelligence Officer for the Government; considered a Subject Matter Experts in Asymmetric Threats. I’ve lectured on National Security issues at major universities and testified before Congress nearly 100 times.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

I believe that every eligible Citizen should be offered the chance to cast their ballot. There needs to be a way to update voter rolls in a more timely and automated manner. I am in favor of requiring an ID to vote to ensure that the person casting a ballot is who they say they are. I would end mail-in ballot "harvesting" and require that all mail-in ballots be sent by U.S. mail. People need to believe in the integrity of the voting process again.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

I will introduce legislation to restore American energy independence and also will introduce legislation to incentivize development of clean energy alternatives and hold polluters financially and criminally accountable for their actions. I will encourage the Administration to engage with other nations to reach consensus on ways that they, too, can reduce both carbon emissions and other pollutants. This is a global issue and required a global response. The U.S. cannot do this alone.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

All nations are defined by their borders. I would work to end the practice of allowing undocumented migrants to surge across our borders and enforce our current entry laws. I would push to have military and other government attorneys detailed as Administrative Law Judges to hear asylum petitions at the border. I will introduce legislation to update our broken legal immigration statutes, with provisions to allow qualified U.S. Citizens to sponsor close family members outside current restrictions.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Marylanders understand that criminals, by definition, do not follow laws. The solution is not more laws, but strict enforcement of existing laws. I will amend current Federal criminal codes to remove judicial discretion in sentencing of crimes involving firearms; adding a 5-year mandatory consecutive term for these crimes that cannot be suspended. I will work to have registered gun owners maintain records of private sales, as one would do with the sale of a vehicle.

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Joseph Perez (Dem)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

Candidate has not yet responded.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Candidate has not yet responded.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Candidate has not yet responded.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Candidate has not yet responded.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Candidate has not yet responded.

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Steven Henry Seuferer (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter twitter.com/SteveSForCongress
Campaign Phone (619)630-9299
Campaign Instagram instagram.com/SteveSForCongress
Campaign Twitter Handle @SteveSForCongress

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

My entire life, I have been a solver of problems and I have been fascinated by technology, which has ultimately led me to work in Information Technology for a living. We, as a country, are on the precipice of a future where those skills are going to vitally important for our leadership to possess if we want to stay on the forefront, and I plan to be there to help guide us in the right direction

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Implement automatic voter registration when someone turns 18 and/or obtains an ID or driver's license. Poll workers should be vetted as carefully as those with security clearances to ensure they are not compromised. End gerrymandering by requiring bipartisan approval on all redistricting maps

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

We need to eliminate corporate money from politics so big polluters can't just buy a senator, and we need to make unpopular decisions to safeguard our future for those who will come after us, as well as those who are here now.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

To begin with, I would say that we should probably change some things so that unaccompanied minors do not represent themselves in court proceedings. Also do something to stop governors from sending refugees to another city to try to raise a political issue.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Local and state laws are all well and good, but we won't be able to make any positive or tangible changes to gun safety unless it's done at the federal level. A multi-angle approach is needed, including mental health screenings and common-sense gun laws written by people who understand firearms.

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Laban Y. Seyoum (Rep)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

Candidate has not yet responded.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Candidate has not yet responded.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Candidate has not yet responded.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Candidate has not yet responded.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

Candidate has not yet responded.

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David J. Trone (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter facebook.com/davidjtrone
Campaign Website http://www.davidtrone.com
Campaign Email info@davidtrone.com
Campaign Instagram www.instagram.com/davidjtrone
Campaign Twitter Handle @davidjtrone
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 83998
Gaithersburg, MD 20883

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

Following a successful career in business, I’ve served three terms representing Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, where I have advocated for systemic change on the most pressing issues facing Marylanders and people across the country. I have never taken a penny from PACs or lobbyists and have continuously worked across the aisle to fight for progressive values. I have a proven track record of delivering results in Washington, passing 26 bills into law last Congress alone.

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

I’m committed to restoring faith and trust in our government by putting an end to voter suppression laws that harm our democracy. We can start by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For the People Act. I recently released my People Over Politics Reform Plan, which will work to take on the power of special interests, institute term limits, ensure we have free and fair elections, end extreme partisan gerrymandering, and hold elected officials accountable.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Climate change is an existential threat to our future and the most important issue of our time. I am proud to have voted to support the Build Back Better Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. In the Senate, I will hold big oil accountable, expand efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and address environmental health impacts in underserved communities to ensure a safe and healthy future for our children — both in the U.S. as well as in developing nations around the world.

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Immigrants are the foundation of this country, and passing comprehensive immigration reform is critical. In Congress, I voted in favor of the Dream Act to grant millions of undocumented immigrants legal status and provide a pathway to citizenship. As Senator, I will work to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform that addresses economic, humanitarian, and security concerns, as well as expanding work visa programs and protecting immigrants from wage theft and worker misclassification.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

I am proud to have an F rating from the NRA. Gun violence is out of control in this country, and it is up to our elected representatives to pass swift, comprehensive gun reform. It has long been clear that common sense gun regulations save countless lives. We must reinstate a nationwide assault weapons ban, pass expanded background check requirements, enact red flag laws, and keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.

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Andrew Jaye Wildman (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter @CS2News
Campaign Phone 4104439608
Campaign Facebook http://www.commonsense2nd.com

QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of United States Senator?

I am a patriot. Not a politician or a lawyer. A professional business problem solver. Author 2008, 718-page non-fiction political book The Second Coming of Common Sense. I have 40 plus publicly acceptable solutions for problems large and small. See the CS2News podcast. An aggressive problem solver for MD, 49 other states, and DC. I worked in DC for 30 years solving corporate and federal agency problems. So now we must remove cell phones from public school classrooms and close the borders!

PROTECTING DEMOCRACY: What actions should the United States government take to protect voting rights and ensure the security of elections?

Means Protecting the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness of our Citizens before all any others. Securing and protecting our Constitution from all adversaries both foreign AND domestic. We must close our borders to migrants for 2 years at least. Stop the flood! Implement an American Citizen ID system like every other nation has and register all legal and illegal occupants. Most of us don’t realize it but more illegals typically enter via Intl airports than the land borders.

ENVIRONMENT: How would you address problems such as climate change and pollution?

Things cannot stay same for progress to happen. For starters, suspend all passenger airline flights on Wednesday. That means worldwide and all nations. This change is to be considered permanent. Public and industry oversight of flight volume the other 6 days. We must consider the improved nuclear power option. National recycling must become a national priority and industry. We must acknowledge globally that 8 Billion people is far more than governments can support. Fewer is better!

IMMIGRATION: What changes would you propose in immigration policy?

Real Human numbers. US population growth by race US Census 2000 vs 2020. White only 1.3 million; Black 7.9 million; Asian 9.4 million; Hispanic 23.8 million; over 20 years. The US/Mexico will be closed immediately, with 2 weeks’ notice. To be closed until at least the end of 2025. No migrants will enter the U.S. Amnesty, asylum, etc., will no longer be granted. Biden and the Democrats must close the door and take public credit for it! Remove immigration from the Republican talking points.

FIREARMS: Please provide your position on national gun safety legislation.

On average there are 44 murders in America DAILY or 16,000 annually. Shooters don't fear the Death Penalty. The Parkland High school shooter killed 17. After 2 million plus dollars and 4 years the sentence was 17 consecutive life sentences, NOT the death penalty. Victim families and taxpayers have had too enough. My Justice System Reform proposal. The Sandy Hook Obviously Guilty 90-Day Death Penalty Reform. One and done. This is not eye-for-an-eye. This is death-for-a-death.