David Trone joins Maryland’s 2024 Senate race.

Rep. David Trone Announces Bid for Maryland Senate Seat

Exciting news for Maryland politics as Rep. David Trone (D-MD) has announced his bid for the state’s open Senate seat in 2024. This comes after Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) announced he would not seek reelection next November, setting up a competitive primary race.

Trone’s Campaign Focus

In a campaign video, Trone emphasized the urgency of the issues facing Maryland, including the rising number of deaths related to fentanyl and mental illness, as well as the disparities in incarceration rates between black men and white men. “Is any of this acceptable to you? To anyone? Not to me,” Trone said in the video.

Trone believes that getting things done is the bottom line and that his life experiences have prepared him to do just that. He has spent millions of dollars on past campaigns and is willing to put in the necessary funds to bring this race home.

Trone’s Stance on Campaign Funding

Trone does not take money from “anybody,” including PACs, lobbyists, and corporations. “I know I won’t be the establishment choice, but hey, why start now? I’ve always been about representing you, not them,” Trone said in his campaign video.

Trone’s Competitors

Trone is entering an already busy primary race, with local lawmaker Will Jawando launching his campaign on Tuesday. Trone believes that the state will “certainly” nominate a more progressive candidate, with speculation surrounding Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks as likely candidates.

Impact on House Seats

Trone’s bid for Senate could lead to a fierce battle for several open House seats. His House seat, in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, moved from “solid” to “likely” Democratic after the representative announced his bid for Senate.

With Trone and possibly Raskin’s entry into the Senate race, the primary is expected to attract a competitive field to replace the three-term incumbent, Sen. Ben Cardin. The seat is expected to lean Democratic.

Exciting times ahead for Maryland politics!