Outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin voices support for state Sen. Sarah Elfreth’s congressional campaign

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin signaled his support for state Sen. Sarah Elfreth’s congressional campaign this week as the two met with Annapolis small-business owners together a week before the primary.

Though Cardin’s team noted that his appearance with Elfreth, a fellow Democrat, wasn’t a formal endorsement in her race for the District 3 congressional seat, he told The Baltimore Sun he thought she has been an effective state lawmaker in her six years representing the Annapolis area and southern Anne Arundel County in the State House. The District 3 seat, soon to be vacated by Rep. John Sarbanes, covers Howard County and parts of Carroll and Anne Arundel counties, including Annapolis.

“I know Sarah,” Cardin told The Sun in a statement. “I know her ability and her background and her experience. I know she is ready for the job.”

The support of Cardin, who announced that he would be stepping down from the Senate after completing his third term in January 2025, could provide a major boost for Elfreth’s campaign. Another Democratic primary front-runner, former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, received an endorsement from former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat who was born and raised in Baltimore, last month.

Elfreth and Dunn are two candidates in the 22-way primary, which also includes state Sen. Clarence Lam, who represents parts of Howard and Anne Arundel. Whoever wins the May 14 race will face the winner of the nine-way Republican primary and the party-nominated Libertarian candidate Miguel Barajas in the Nov. 5 general election.

Cardin’s partner representing Maryland in the U.S. Senate, Chris Van Hollen, did not respond to questions from The Sun about whether he would be endorsing anyone running for this seat.

Cardin has a particular interest in this race as he represented Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District from 1987 through 2007. Elfreth’s record as an environmental advocate was a trait that particularly excited the U.S. senator, he said the day after the pair visited Annapolis City Dock and Eastport small businesses and nonprofits affected by flooding.

“I want to applaud Sarah for her commitment to the environment and the Chesapeake Bay,” he said. “She is one of our great leaders when it comes to fighting back against the impacts of climate change.”

Elfreth said she was touched that Cardin took the time to visit her district, speak with constituents and lend his support.

“I’ve looked up to him as a mentor, particularly on Chesapeake Bay issues and small business issues, since before I was even elected to the Senate,” Elfreth said Tuesday. “I’ve counted on his help and support through all my campaigns.”

As well as serving as the Senate chair for the Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation and for the Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Areas, Elfreth represents Maryland on the multistate Chesapeake Bay Commission, which works on policies to help protect the bay. She chaired the commission in 2022.

2024 voter guide: Candidates for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District

“She’s been able to get things done and she’s been a great partner,” Cardin said. “She knows how to get things accomplished.”

For Elfreth’s part, she’s feeling “cautiously optimistic” ahead of the primary.

“We’ve run a really great race and built a great coalition of the teachers and the firefighters and environmental community and so many people who have been with me since my first election seven years ago,” Elfreth said. “I feel like we’re in a strong position.”