Harry Dunn, a former police officer who bravely defended the U.S. Capitol against rioters on January 6, 2021, is now vying for a seat in Congress. He is running in a tightly contested Maryland Democratic primary, where he faces tough competition from state legislators, including state Sen. Sarah Elfreth. This race for an open seat in Congress is generating significant interest and excitement.
Dunn’s fame has played a crucial role in bringing widespread recognition to the 22-candidate primary race for the vacant seat of outgoing Representative John Sarbanes. The Democratic incumbent declared in October that he would not pursue re-election for a tenth term.
Supporters of Dunn in the predominantly Democratic 3rd Congressional District, which stretches from Baltimore to the nation’s capital, commend him as a champion of democracy. He provided testimony during a hearing conducted by the House committee investigating the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Cathy Dixon, a resident of Severna Park, expressed admiration for his actions, stating, “It took a lot of courage for him to do what he did. He’s a brave individual, and that’s exactly the kind of people we need.” Dixon has been a host for Dunn and other supporters at her home.
In Tuesday’s primary, five state legislators who are well-known to voters in the district are also being backed.
Alex Miletich shared that his close connection with his state senator played a significant role in his decision to cast his vote early for Elfreth. Elfreth, who is currently serving her second term, represents a district that encompasses the state capital.
“It’s a wide-open field,” Miletich exclaimed as he cast his early vote at a recreational facility in Annapolis. “It’s challenging to fully grasp the positions of all the candidates, but she has been my Maryland senator. I believe she has effectively represented my district, so I based my decision on her track record and name recognition.”
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Everett Bellamy cast his vote in favor of Del. Terri Hill, a doctor and a Howard County legislator, as he was impressed by her compelling statements during a candidate forum.
After casting his early vote in Annapolis, Bellamy expressed his admiration for her, highlighting the value of diversity in Congress. He emphasized the need for a mix of backgrounds, stating that it shouldn’t be limited to former student government presidents, political science majors, and lawyers.
Dunn, who declared his campaign in January, just a day before the third anniversary of the tumultuous assault at the Capitol perpetrated by a mob of Donald Trump supporters that disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, shared that voters frequently express their gratitude towards him for his service as a police officer. His campaign revolves around his dedication to safeguarding democracy from the front lines.
In a recent interview, Dunn expressed his confidence in being the most suitable candidate for the current situation. He firmly believes that his message resonates with the people, emphasizing that he is well-positioned to meet the challenges of this moment. Dunn also acknowledged the anticipated close competition in the primary race.
Elfreth has been actively showcasing her accomplishments as a state legislator and tirelessly assisting her constituents. Additionally, she has garnered endorsements from influential organizations such as the state’s teachers union, environmental groups, and unions.
Elfreth emphasized that their campaign has been centered around the core principles of expanding their reach and connecting with a diverse range of voters.
Dunn, a first-time candidate, has proven to be incredibly effective in fundraising for his campaign, amassing approximately $4.6 million from donors nationwide. Elfreth, on the other hand, has raised roughly $1.5 million, but has also received over $4 million from a super political action committee.
Elfreth, in an interview, stated that she had no prior knowledge of the donation from United Democracy Project, an organization associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel group. The money received has received widespread attention and is being used to fund television advertisements and mailings in support of Elfreth.
Elfreth shared that she discovered the news at the same time as everyone else did – when the commercials began airing and she started receiving mail.
