Who's running in Maryland's 6th congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
3 candidates · ballot order · April McClain Delaney currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reversing tariffs, restoring SNAP, Medicaid and ACA tax credits, and War Powers limits on military action such as in Iran.
Cutting funding for ICE and CBP and holding immigration officers accountable for misconduct.
Protecting the district's roughly 35,000 federal workers from workforce cuts.
Expanding rural broadband and cell service in Western Maryland.
A regulatory framework for digital assets to prevent fraud.
Reproductive rights, equal pay and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Maryland's 6th District since January 2025.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (2022–2023), overseeing broadband deployment.
Co-founder of Common Sense Media's Washington office.
Says she secured nearly $700 million in federal funding for the district and more than $18 million in community project funding for FY2026, and introduced 28 bills.
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 44.0% against David Trone.
Put $11 million of her own money into her campaign; had $307,611 on hand as of June 30, 2026.
Arguments in favor
'You can't fake showing up': she has secured nearly $700 million for Sixth District infrastructure and innovation, reversed cancellations at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, and set up advisory boards so every community has a voice.
— April McClain Delaney, Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette voter guide
Her 'Costs Down, Opportunity Up' plan would push back against 'the assaults on our workers, and our agencies, the tsunami of cuts' to SNAP and Medicaid, and the tariffs driving inflation.
— April McClain Delaney, to WTOP
Arguments against
She supported shutting down the federal government for 45 days and later the Department of Homeland Security, hurting the district's federal employees, contractors and travellers; she lives by the Beltway, outside Western Maryland, and has not landed employers like Nucor for the region.
— Robin Ficker, Republican opponent, Baltimore Sun voter guide
She has competed to be the most eager to impeach President Trump rather than working with the administration to bring benefits to the district.
— Robin Ficker, Republican opponent, Baltimore Sun voter guide
What we couldn’t verify
Criticism of McClain Delaney by David Trone during the primary could not be read in a verifiable source.
No NRCC material naming McClain Delaney in 2026 could be found.
Whether she will debate Ficker and Landman had not been reported.
A balanced budget and binding caps on federal spending.
Continued ICE funding and enforcement of existing immigration law.
Working with President Trump rather than opposing him.
Improving I-270 between Clarksburg and Frederick, and protecting the Potomac River from sewage.
Attracting employers such as steel and data-centre suppliers to Western Maryland.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former member of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Disbarred attorney.
Placed county ballot charter amendments on property tax limits, term limits and other issues.
Republican nominee for US Senate in Maryland in 2024, receiving about 30%.
Won the June 23, 2026 Republican primary with 41.8% over Chris Burnett (37.4%) and Mariela Roca (20.8%).
Largely self-funded his primary, putting in about $403,000; had $401 on hand as of June 30, 2026.
Arguments in favor
He has already won 2.5 million votes for citizen-led ballot amendments on property tax and term limits over Democratic opposition, and would bring Western Maryland priorities — jobs, roads and a cleaner Potomac — that Beltway-based Democrats have neglected.
— Robin Ficker, Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette voter guide
Arguments against
He is a disbarred attorney and perennial candidate who spent almost all his self-funded money in the primary, leaving $401 against a well-funded incumbent in a district that favours Democrats.
— WTOP reporting; Federal Election Commission filings
What we couldn’t verify
No criticism of Ficker by McClain Delaney's campaign or the DCCC could be found.
The circumstances of his disbarment were not described in the coverage read.
Whether he will debate McClain Delaney had not been reported.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Maryland held its primaries on June 23, 2026; the Maryland Green Party chose its nominees in its own online primary in July. Three candidates are on the November ballot: Democratic incumbent April McClain Delaney, who beat former Rep. David Trone 44.0% to 37.0% in a largely self-funded primary; Republican Robin Ficker, who won his primary with 41.8% over Chris Burnett and Mariela Roca; and Green Party nominee Moshe Landman. The roster is confirmed against the Maryland State Board of Elections' 2026 general election candidate list, which also shows two unaffiliated candidates, Hajra Kirmani and Chris Hyser, withdrew in 2025. Candidates appear here in the order the Board lists them. Trone lent his campaign $25 million and McClain Delaney put in $11 million of her own money. The district covers Western Maryland — Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick counties — and part of Montgomery County. Forecasters rate it safe or likely Democratic. As of June 30, 2026 McClain Delaney had $307,611 on hand and Ficker $401.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Maryland ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Maryland State Board of Elections.