Harry Dunn, a former police officer who protected the United States Capitol from rioters on January 6, 2021, is running in a crowded Maryland Democratic primary with many state legislators, including state Sen. Sarah Elfreth, in a heated battle for an open congressional seat.
Dunn’s celebrity has served to bring national attention to the 22-candidate primary to succeed outgoing Rep. John Sarbanes. The Democrat declared in October that he would not seek a tenth term.
Related posts
Dunn’s supporters in the strongly Democratic 3rd Congressional District, which extends from Baltimore to the nation’s capitol, hail him as a defender of democracy. He spoke at a House committee hearing investigating the Capitol attack on January 6.
“It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did,” said Cathy Dixon, who hosted Dunn and other Severna Park supporters at her house. “He’s a brave person, and that’s what we need—brave people.”
District constituents will also support five state legislators in Tuesday’s primary.
Alex Miletich stated that his acquaintance with his state senator was a major reason he voted early for Elfreth, who is serving her second term in a district that includes the state capital.
“It’s a wide open field,” Miletich said after voting early at a recreation center in Annapolis. “It’s hard to get a sense of all the contenders’ beliefs, but she’s been my Maryland senator.” I believe she has effectively represented my district; thus, I chose her based on her past and name recognition.
Everett Bellamy said he voted for Del. Terri Hill, a doctor, because he appreciated what the Howard County politician said during a candidate discussion.
“I was impressed with her, and I think having some diversity in Congress is a good thing—not all former student government presidents, political science majors, and lawyers,” Bellamy said after voting early in Annapolis. “Let’s mix it up some.”
Dunn, who launched his campaign in January, a day before the third anniversary of a violent attack on the Capitol by a mob of Donald Trump supporters that marred Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election certification, said voters frequently compliment him for his service as a police officer. He ran on the front lines of preserving democracy.
“I believe that I’m the best candidate for this moment in time that we’re in right now, and that’s been my message to people,” Dunn said in a recent interview, adding that he anticipates a close primary contest.
Elfreth has emphasized her role as a state representative and her commitment to constituent service. She has also received endorsements from the state’s teachers union, environmental organizations, and labor unions.
Elfreth said, “We have focused this campaign on the fundamentals of how we build the biggest tent and talk to as many voters as possible.”
Dunn, who is running for office for the first time, has raised approximately $4.6 million in campaign funds from donors across the country. Elfreth has raised approximately $1.5 million, but she has also gotten more than $4 million from a super PAC.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel organization, has made headlines with the money from the United Democracy Project, which is sponsoring television advertising and mailings supporting Elfreth. In an interview, Elfreth stated that she had no earlier information about the donation.
“I found out about it when everybody else did, when the commercials started airing and mail started dropping,” said Elfreth.
