Political notes: Rogers on his run, Trone endorsement official

Del. Mike Rogers (D-Anne Arundel) this week confirmed what his filing with the Federal Election Commission last week suggested: He’s joining the race in the 3rd congressional district.

“I’m in,” he said in an interview.

After almost 30 years in the Army and five years in the House of Delegates, Rogers said he views the potential to be in the House of Representatives as an extension of his public service. And he said he sees his long military career, working and fighting in 29 different countries, with an array of responsibilities, as a selling point in the Democratic primary and a way to distinguish himself from his leading opponents.

“I have a background where I think I could make a difference,” Rogers said. “I thought I could bring something to the table that could be helpful.”

In the May 14 primary to replace U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3rd), who announced his retirement last month, Rogers will square off against three legislative colleagues: Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-Anne Arundel), House Ways and Means Chair Vanessa E. Atterbeary (D-Howard) and Del. Terri L. Hill (D-Howard). Also in the Democratic race: Lindsay Donahue, a medical IT specialist, and Kristin Lyman Nabors, a clinical research nurse.

Rogers conceded he’s a little daunted by all the fundraising the race will require, and said, “I’m still pulling together the pieces” of a campaign. He also expressed hope that national political action committees that support candidates who are military veterans will come to the aid of his campaign.

During the upcoming General Assembly session, Rogers said he plans to work on the issues that have driven his legislative career so far, including veterans’ affairs, consumer protections and climate change. He said he expects those issues to resonate on the campaign trail as well.

“Everybody [in the primary] has to focus on what they see as their core constituencies and try to bring their vote out,” Rogers said.

Trone’s endorsement official

Rep. David Trone (D-6th) officially garnered the endorsement of the National Education Association in his run for U.S. Senate, based on a recommendation from the Maryland State Education Association.

The Trone campaign hopes the national association’s three million members will help galvanize support in the congressman’s quest for the Democratic nomination next year.

“David Trone is a proven champion for America’s students and Maryland’s working families,” Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, said in a statement Tuesday. “In a time when some extreme politicians are focused on banning books and taking away learning opportunities for students, David Trone has partnered with parents and educators to ensure students can get the one-on-one support they need, keep students and educators safe from gun violence, expand school-based mental health programs, and address educator shortages.”

Trone thanked the association and highlighted how he will work to protect project labor agreements for workers who renovate and build new schools.

“I thank the National Education Association and the remarkable educators they represent for their support and recommendation of the United States Senate,” Trone said. “The stakes of this election couldn’t be higher for our educators, our students, and our communities.”

Trone faces a major Democratic challenger in Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who has announced more than 100 endorsements that include recent support from Reproductive Freedom for All, formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Her announcement was held last week in Montgomery County.

Trone and Alsobrooks are scheduled to meet in person during a U.S. Senate candidates forum Dec. 3 at Elizabeth Seton High School in Prince George’s.

A third Democratic candidate will join them, Anne Arundel County businessman Juan Dominguez.

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