April McClain Delaney talks with supporters at her Democratic primary election night watch party in downtown Frederick. File photo by Danielle E. Gaines.
Just a week after the campaign arm for U.S. House Republicans elevated Maryland’s 6th District to its priority list of targeted congressional races, House Democrats are doing the same.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Thursday that it is adding the Democratic nominee in the 6th, former U.S. Commerce Department official April McClain Delaney, to its “Red to Blue” program, which boosts competitive Democratic challengers and open-seat candidates.
The campaign committee in a statement labeled Delaney “a top-tier candidate,” and said it is investing in the race to provide her “with the support needed to continue building a winning campaign.”
“April McClain Delaney is a common-sense leader who will champion the issues that matter most to everyday Marylanders like lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms,” said U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Ore.), the chair of the DCCC.
“Meanwhile, April’s extreme opponent would be dangerous for Maryland families,” DelBene’s statement said. “Neil Parrott has advocated for total abortion bans, defended spousal rape exceptions, and voted against measures that keep Marylanders safe.”
A week ago, the National Republican Congressional Committee added Parrott, a former state delegate and three-time congressional nominee, to its “Young Gun” program, which bolsters Republican challengers or nominees in competitive open-seat districts.
The 6th District, which takes in a portion of Montgomery County along with Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties, is by far the most competitive in the state
Delaney was one of three candidates added to the DCCC Red to Blue list on Thursday, joining 30 other Democrats who are getting extra party support and guidance for the general election. The other newcomers are Whitney Fox, a former local transit official in the Tampa area who is challenging U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), and John Avlon, a former CNN anchor who is challenging Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) on the eastern end of Long Island.
“The DCCC is well positioned to take back the House thanks to incredible candidates like John Avlon, Whitney Fox, and April McClain Delaney,” DelBene said.
Unlike the other two districts added to the Red to Blue program, the 6th District is currently held by a Democrat, Rep. David Trone, who gave up the seat to wage an unsuccessful bid this year for Senate. Delaney is the wife of former Rep. John Delaney (D), Trone’s predecessor, who held the seat from 2013 to 2019.