Political Notebook: Former GOP MD state delegate running for 6th Congressional District

Thiam's 'passion for restoring America to its founding principles' drives decision to enter 6th Congressional District race

Hagerstown's former state delegate has thrown her hat in the ring in the race for the 6th Congressional District seat.

Brenda Thiam, a Republican, formally kicked off her campaign earlier this month with an event at the Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Montgomery County.

In a news release announcing her candidacy, Thiam is called "a dedicated advocate for Strengthening the American Family, Providing Quality Education, and Boosting the Economy."

The Hagerstown resident was the first Black female Republican to ever hold a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates. She was appointed to the job in October 2020 when then-delegate Paul Corderman was appointed to the state Senate. She was named deputy minority whip in 2022.

She lost her bid for formal election to the District 2B seat in the 2022 election to Democrat Brooke Grossman.

Thiam, who has been a special educator for more than 20 years, has a doctorate in special education leadership. The news release says that her "passion for restoring America to its founding principles is the driving force behind" her decision to run.

Who else is running in the 6th Congressional District primaries?

The field is crowded on both sides of the aisle in the race to replace David Trone, who announced earlier this summer that he was seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat, who is retiring.

Joel Rubin, a Montgomery County resident who served in a senior role in the Obama Administration’s Department of State, announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination for the job earlier this month. In a news release announcing his candidacy, Rubin is described as a "national security expert, progressive activist, Jewish community leader, and local elected official."

Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez also announced earlier this month that she was seeking the Democratic nomination.

More: A campaign that 'knocks the socks off': Martinez says she's running for Congress

Democrat Destiny Drake West, the founder and CEO of a policy institute, who has worked in various unelected roles in county, state and federal government, also filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 6th Congressional District seat.

State delegates Joe Vogel and Lesley Lopez, both Democrats representing Montgomery County districts, have also filed with the Federal Election Commission for the seat.

Other Democrats who have filed with the state in the 6th District include Stephen McDow, once the director of membership for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, and George Gluck, a mathematician who ran in last year’s primary.

On the other side of the aisle, Republican Neil Parrott announced he has formed an exploratory committee for the seat. If Parrott does run, it would follow two of his unsuccessful attempts to win the district that Trone, a wine retailer, won again in 2022.

More: With 11 months before election, candidates consider Congress, fewer file state paperwork

Germantown Republican Tom Royals, a former naval flight officer and IT sales executive, announced his candidacy as well.

Mariela Roca, who ran against Parrott last year, among the other Republicans who have registered with the Federal Election Commission in the state’s 6th Congressional District.

Other Republican candidates are Heath Barns of Woodsboro, Chris Hyser, a retired state trooper, and Todd Puglisi, a McDonald’s employee who ran for U.S. Senate in 2022.

Hagerstown mayor touts donors in her bid for 6th Congressional District

Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez says she has support behind her candidacy for the 6th District, courtesy of 559 individual contributions her campaign in the first 10 days since launching July 12.

A news release from her campaign says that Martinez felt a “loss for words” after seeing the numbers.

“I’m so grateful for the support my community has shown me thus far and excited to see where this campaign will go,” she said.

Irvin-Craig to speak at United Dem's meeting

The United Democrats of Washington County will feature a former politician speaking on "Politics in Washington County" at its Aug. 9 meeting, according to a news release from the group.

Linda Irvin-Craig, a former county commissioner and a United Dems board member, has written about the history of Washington County. In her talk, which starts at 7 p.m., she'll give an overview of the county's political history.

The meeting will be in the 3rd floor community room of the Washington County Free Library, 100 Potomac St., in downtown Hagerstown. Doors open at 6:30. The meeting is open to UDWC members and guests.

For more information, contact group President Pamela Faulkner at pamelafaulkner1@gmail.com or 304-237-2529.

Event to honor Charles Carroll of Carrollton set for Sept. 19

A "Tribute to the Last Patriot," honoring Declaration of Independence signer Charles Carroll of Carrollton, is planned for Sept. 19 — his 268th birthday — at 6 p.m. in Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport.

Hosted by Rick Bibbee of the Cobblers & Carpenters for Liberty, the event will feature "a select group of Citzens" giving "a glimpse of the hearts and mindsets of our Founding Fathers," according to a flyer advertising the event.

The speakers will include Jason Dutrow, Angela Batista, former Republican state Del. Brenda Thiam, Paulie Ward, student Grace Ellis, Mariela Roca, John Gundling, Democratic state Del. Brooke Grossman, and Republican state Sen. Mike McKay. The event will be emceed by Kevin Booth.

For more information, email Bibbee at patriot@woodsetter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Brenda Thiam latest to join crowded 6th District primary race