Former Chevy Chase councilmember and deputy assistant secretary of state in the Obama Administration Joel Rubin announced Monday his intention to succeed U.S. Rep. David Trone in the Sixth Congressional District.
He enters what is expected to be a crowded primary on the Democratic ticket. Currently Maryland Delegate Joe Vogel (D-17) and Lesley Lopez (D-39) are seeking that seat.
Also running are Hagerstown Mayor Takesha Martinez, military veteran Mia Mason, businessperson Stephen McDown, former congressional aide Destiny Drake West and George Gluck, of the Green Party.
Rather than seek reelection, Trone opted to run for U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin’s seat. Cardin plans to retire at the end of his current term.
Rubin served six years on Chevy Chase town council and was vice mayor. He has a master’s degree in public policy and business administration from Carnegie Mellon University. He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. He also led Jewish outreach for Vermont Senator Bernie Sander’s 2020 presidential compaign.
Rubin unsuccessfully ran for Congress previously for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin.
During a brief news conference, Rubin declared, “I’m ready to serve,” noting, “Together, we in Congressional District 6, can heal the world.”
If elected, he would focus on “what matters to the district,” including transportation, housing and health care issues.
Several other Democrats are considering running but have not declared, including Councilmember Laurie Anne Sayles and Maryland Sen. Brian Feldman.
In the Republican primary, Chris Hyser of Frederick County, Todd Puglisi of Gaithersburg and Mariela Roca of Frederick County are declared candidates.
District 6 covers much of western Maryland and includes Gaithersburg, Germantown and Rockville. Neither Rubin nor Trone live in the district, which is not required in Maryland.
Take a look at why I’m running – and then chip in to help me get this campaign started off strong:https://t.co/ARMZQoxgJi pic.twitter.com/PpwTcfrjyK
— Joel Rubin (@JoelMartinRubin) July 24, 2023
