WASHINGTON– Maryland’s 6th District stretches from the Washington suburbs north and west through Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. That means it stretches from blue Maryland to deep red Maryland.
The seat is currently held by Congressman John Delaney, a businessman with deep pockets. Political analyst Josh Kurtz, who is a contributor to Center Maryland, says he expects Delaney to win the primary. Delaney faces Tony Puca, who has a background in banking and insurance.
On the GOP side, there’s a crowded field, but Kurtz says he expects the race will boil down to two people; former Deputy Undersecretary of the Army Amie Hoeber and state delegate David Vogt.
While Hoeber has enthusiastic backers, she may have some issues in the more conservative parts of the state. She’s hit some turbulence on the abortion issue. In a forum with her competitors, she was tagged as pro-choice. While that’s not a term she’s used to refer to herself, she calls Roe v. Wade “settled law” and says while she would never have an abortion, she wouldn’t want to the government to impose her views on someone else.
Kurtz says as a result “She’s not wildly popular with conservatives–they don’t trust her.” Still, she’s got an impressive resume on the federal level with experience in the defense arena.
On the other hand, Republican David Vogt, a state delegate, has made his opposition to abortion clear, and has also aligned himself with the economic policies of Governor Larry Hogan. Despite the fact that Maryland is dominated politically by Democrats, Hogan retains high popularity numbers, due in large part to his push to reduce the tax burden on residents.
In his last race, Delaney won over challenger Republican Dan Bongino -but narrowly. This time, Kurtz says Delaney could fare better “this year, just because its a presidential year, you generally expect a more favorable electorate for Democrats.”
So who’s running?
DEMOCRATS:
John Delaney, Incumbent
Tony Puca, activist, worked in the banking and insurance fields
REPUBLICANS:
Terry Baker, Washington County Commissioner (President)
Scott Cheng Professor UMD School of Medicine
Robin Ficker, activist
Amie Hoeber, former Deputy Undersecretary of the Army
Frank Howard former small business owner
Christopher Mason, served in Marines, worked in security field
Harold Painter CPA
David Vogt, State Delegate
