Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the candidates for U.S. Senate
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After being elected once before as Maryland's junior U.S. senator, Democrat Chris Van Hollen is running for another six-year term. Marylanders will head to the polls this fall to either reelect Van Hollen or go in a different direction with Republican challenger Chris Chaffee.
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 and The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown, sent questionnaires to the Republican and Democrat seeking to be one of the state's two people in the U.S. Senate.
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.
The questionnaire was sent on Sept. 14, and follow-ups were made with those who hadn't responded. Those who didn't answer by Sept. 24 are listed below as "Did not respond."
Republican
Chris Chaffee
Top priority
What is your top priority if elected to serve in the next session of Congress?
Did not respond.
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?
Did not respond.
Greatest challenge facing the state
What is the greatest challenge facing the state right now, and how can you as a U.S. Senator help to address that challenge?
Did not respond.
Background information
Did not respond.
More:Maryland's candidates for U.S. Senate sound off on partisanship, elections
Democrat
Chris Van Hollen
Top priority
What is your top priority if elected to serve in the next session of Congress?
I’m running for re-election to the Senate to continue to fight for our shared values of justice, equality, democracy, opportunity and freedom. Over the last six years I’ve worked to bring key investments to Maryland -- to support our schools, modernize our infrastructure, protect the Bay, ensure access to affordable health care, and support our seniors, small businesses and our veterans.
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?
Maryland is my home. We raised our family here and I ran for office to get things done for the people of our state. I follow my conscience and values which, I believe, align with those of the overwhelming majority of Marylanders and I’ll keep standing up for them in the Senate. I will always follow my conscience and put the priorities, principles and needs of Marylanders first.
Greatest challenge facing the state
What is the greatest challenge facing the state right now, and how can you as a U.S. Senator help to address that challenge?
The key issue is what kind of country we'll be. Will we protect the right to vote for all Americans? A woman's right to choose? Will we build a more inclusive country where all, not just the wealthy, have access to good-paying jobs, affordable childcare, prescription drugs, housing, quality education, and dignity in retirement? Will we protect our environment? Will we make our communities safer? I've introduced legislation to advance these goals and will continue working to make them a reality.
Background information
Occupation: U.S. Senator
Primary residence: Kensington, Montgomery County
Age (at the date of election): 63
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
@vanhollenformd(Instagram) |
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the candidates for U.S. Senate
