Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 23
Maryland Democrats Wage $33 Million Primary Fight as Trone Pours In $25 Million
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 23

Maryland Democrats Wage $33 Million Primary Fight as Trone Pours In $25 Million

2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 23

Summary

  • $33 million in spending has turned Maryland’s 6th District Democratic primary into one of the costliest House battles ever, with voting set for Tuesday.
  • Trone has put in $25 million against McClain Delaney’s $7.4 million, saying her House votes and performance justify his comeback bid after his failed $60 million Senate run.
  • McClain Delaney casts the challenge as a billionaire’s “retribution tour,” citing Trone’s anger over lost endorsements and accusing him of bullying allies and distorting her record.
  • The race has devolved into personal and ideological attacks over PAC money, abortion, immigration votes, a DeSantis-themed ad blitz and even whether either candidate had Hillary Clinton’s backing.
  • Both candidates previously held the seat, endorsed each other and live outside the district, underscoring how a once-friendly alliance became an unusually bitter, self-funded intraparty feud.

Insights

What does it signal when candidates spend fortunes to represent districts in which they do not live?
Does allowing unlimited personal spending in elections effectively put a price tag on a seat in Congress?