Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the candidates for Congressional District 1
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Republican Congressman Andy Harris has been elected from the Eastern Shore district since 2010. Now, he's running for a seventh term against Democratic challenger and former state delegate Heather Mizeur.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, but early voting runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. A request for a mail-in ballot must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 1.
The USA TODAY Network in Maryland, which includes Delmarva Now/The Daily Times in Salisbury, sent questionnaires to the Republican and Democrat seeking to be represent the district in Congress. The individual elected in November will serve a two-year term starting in January 2023.
Included were basic biographical questions, as well as opportunities to list websites and social media accounts so voters can learn beyond just answers to the questions that were asked. Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets.
Both candidates responded and their answers can be found below.
Republican
Andy Harris
Implementation of federally funded projects
How will you work with local officials to implement projects that have already received federal funds?
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will be in a great position to follow up closely with federal agencies to cut through any red tape in getting funds to our local projects.
Party loyalty, conscience or constituents?
What do you believe is more important — party loyalty, your conscience or the needs of your constituents? In cases where you have to make a choice, which takes precedence?
The needs of my constituents is a top concern, and my record on issues such as supporting agriculture, the poultry industry, the Bay and making sure we have a viable H-2B Temporary Foreign Workers program are examples of where I have put constituent needs first.
Top priority
What is your top priority in the next session of Congress, if elected?
Helping the economy of the Eastern Shore, which is suffering now under the weight of high prices, runaway inflation, skyrocketing energy costs and too few trained workers for our industries.
Occupation: Representative, physician
Primary residence: Cambridge, Dorchester County
Age (at the date of election): 65
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
Did not provide | Did not provide |
More:What you need to know about Maryland's polling and district changes before you vote
Democrat
Heather R. Mizeur
Implementation of federally funded projects
How will you work with local officials to implement projects that have already received federal funds?
I am a skilled legislator who knows how to turn ideas into action. Mayor Jake Day will tell you I am a bridge builder who has strong relationships with elected officials of both parties at every level.
We deserve a representative who will not only implement projects in the pipeline, but who also works to help us identify new federal opportunities. My EconomyFirst plan is a robust strategy to do that, while Rep. Harris votes against these laws but then still claims credit for local projects.
Party loyalty, conscience or constituents?
What do you believe is more important — party loyalty, your conscience, or the needs of your constituents? In cases where you have to make a choice, which takes precedence?
My loyalty is to people over party, which means the needs of my constituents always come first. My conscience is woven into this representation through my dedication to coming together to solve problems with heart-centered wisdom.
I am fundamentally nonpartisan in my approach to life and politics. It is how I governed in the Maryland Legislature, and it’s the same spirit I will bring to Congress. Let’s tone down the partisan rhetoric and turn up the problem solving.
Top priority
What is your top priority in the next session of Congress, if elected?
My top priority is strengthening our economy, which starts with lowering costs and creating jobs that offer decent wages and benefits. After a year-long listening session, I wrote a detailed economic plan that provides concrete solutions to lower consumer prices, promote manufacturing and agriculture, rebuild infrastructure, fix broken supply chains, and offer tax fairness to families and business owners. Ensuring that the economy works for working people will always be No. 1 for me.
Background information
Occupation: Farmer
Primary residence: Chestertown, Kent County
Age (at the date of election): 49
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
Did not provide |
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Maryland Election 2022: Meet candidates for Congressional District 1
