Maryland House Democrat fends off predecessor’s comeback bid in primary

Campaign Maryland House Democrat fends off predecessor’s comeback bid in primary Comments: by Caroline Vakil - 06/26/26 2:16 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Caroline Vakil - 06/26/26 2:16 PM ET Comments: Link copied

NOW PLAYING

Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-Md.) is projected to fend off a serious challenge from her predecessor, former Rep. David Trone (D-Md.), in a bitter contest between two wealthy Democrats for a blue-leaning House seat in northwestern Maryland, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Trone, the Total Wine & More co-owner, previously represented the district between 2019 and 2025 before making an unsuccessful run for Senate against Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

McClain Delaney, a former Biden administration official, succeeded him in Congress for one term before Trone announced he would be running for his old seat again after losing the Maryland Senate Democratic primary in 2024.

The primary, one of a handful showcasing former lawmakers making runs for their old districts in Congress, quickly turned ugly between the two, with both pouring millions of their own money into the race.

Trone has spent at least $15 million in the primary, while McClain Delaney has spent at least $8 million, according to figures from the ad-tracking firm AdImpact on Monday.

Former lawmakers have had a mixed track record of winning their primaries this cycle: Trone and former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) lost their congressional primaries, while former Reps. Melissa Bean (D-Ill.) and Colin Allred (D-Texas) won their respective primaries for their blue-leaning seats and are likely to return to Washington, D.C., next year.

Maryland’s 6th Congressional District went for former Vice President Kamala Harris by just shy of 6 points in 2024, giving Democrats the edge there, according to The Downballot.