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Anne Arundel County

Maryland State Sen. Sarah Elfreth launches campaign for 3rd Congressional District seat

Capital Gazette
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Maryland state Sen. Sarah Elfreth, a Democrat from Anne Arundel County, is running to represent Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District following Democratic U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes’ announcement to not seek reelection in 2024.

Elfreth launched her campaign Saturday morning at the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park.

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“I’ve been tired of the chaos and toxicity that comes out of Washington, D.C.,” Elfreth said Saturday. “I thought hard over the last nine days, I came to a simple conclusion that Congress isn’t gonna get any better unless good people run.”

Elfreth said she is a champion for the Chesapeake Bay and how it’s an economic and environmental focal point for the state and district.

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Sarbanes has emphasized Chesapeake Bay protection during his time in Congress.

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“I have tremendous respect for Congressman Sarbanes, and I’ve counted on him as a friend and a mentor,” Elfreth said in an interview with the Capital on Friday.

Elfreth said she’s primarily focused on addressing “kitchen table issues” such as affordable child care and affordable prescription drug coverage.

Supporters Gale Smith, left, and Juanita Cage Lewis with a homemade Sarah For Congress sash. Maryland state senator Sarah Elfreth announced her run for congress during a campaign kickoff event at the Annapolis Maritime Museum Merrill Family Pavilion on Nov. 4.

Supporters Gale Smith, left, and Juanita Cage Lewis with a homemade Sarah For Congress sash. Maryland state senator Sarah Elfreth announced her run for congress during a campaign kickoff event at the Annapolis Maritime Museum Merrill Family Pavilion on Nov. 4. (Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette)

Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, which contains Howard County and parts of Anne Arundel and Carroll counties, has traditionally been safely Democratic. However, after being redrawn by the General Assembly to make more compact before the last election cycle, Republicans may have more of a chance than in years past.

[ Redistricting and retirement of Democrat John Sarbanes in 2024 bring opportunity for GOP in Maryland’s 3rd District ]

Elfreth was elected to the General Assembly in 2018 and serves on the Budget and Taxation Committee and chairs the Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee. Elfreth is also a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. She worked with Dels. Dana Jones and Shaneka Henson, and the late Del. Michael Busch — all Democrats — to secure around $15 million in state funding for the highly anticipated City Dock Resiliency Project.

Elfreth filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission Wednesday. Democratic delegates Vanessa Atterbeary and Dr. Terri Hill, both from Howard County, have told The Baltimore Sun they will also run. Among the Democrats still considering bids are Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Democratic state Sen. Clarence Lam, also both from Howard County.

Republican Yuripzy Morgan, a lawyer and former WBAL-AM political talk show host who challenged Sarbanes in 2022, is considering running. Berney Flowers, a Howard County Republican, is running as well.

The filing deadline for the seat is Feb. 9, and the primary is May 14.

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