Letter to Editor: Pay Attention to Maryland’s 3rd District

Though unrelated to Spy territory, the race for the Democratic nomination in the 3rd Congressional District has intrigued this Annapolis expat. I’ll explain.

An oddly configured district currently represented by the retiring John Sarbanes, it includes all of Howard County and parts of Anne Arundel (including Annapolis) and Carroll counties. Twenty-two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination. The two leading contenders are State Sen. Sarah Elfreth and Harry Dunn, a retired Capitol police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol against insurrectionists on Jan. 6, 2021.

I wholeheartedly support Elfreth. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate her a 10.

For six years representing the Annapolis area in the State Senate, the 35-year-old Elfreth has sponsored 91 bills—an accomplishment that few can claim. She works hard. She serves on the influential Senate Banking and Taxation Committee. Her environmental credentials related to the health of the Chesapeake Bay are impressive.

Though she would not represent the Eastern Shore, she likely would be a go-to representative for residents justifiably dissatisfied with the ultra-conservative Andy Harris.

Elfreth’s primary opponent is Dunn. He has attracted attention for his heroism amidst dangerously illegal chaos. He has no political experience, a plus for many but a negative for me.

Also, he does not live in the 3rd District—a fact that negates any preference that I might have for him. Though it is legally permissible to represent a congressional district where one does not live, it counters the saying that “all politics is local.”

My endorsement of State Sen. Sarah is unequivocal. She offers professionalism and expertise as a potential member of the House of Representatives. I hope May 14 brings a victory for a skilled and hard-working public servant.

Howard Freedlander
Annapolis