David Trone for U.S. Senate
With Senator Ben Cardin retiring, Marylanders will elect a new U.S. senator in November 2024 for the first time since Sen. Chris Van Hollen was elected to his first term in 2016. At the 2023 MSEA Fall Representative Assembly, delegates from across the state voted to recommend Rep. David Trone (D-6th) to NEA for endorsement.
In federal races, MSEA’s Endorsement Council, which is made up of approximately 100 members from across the state, recommends a candidate to the full MSEA representative assembly (RA). To pass the council’s recommendation, the RA needs to surpass a supermajority of 58% in favor. The recommendation passed the RA and went to the NEA PAC Council for final approval and NEA’s endorsement, which it received in November. “Maryland educators are excited to back David Trone, the son of a public educator, and appreciate his strong record of fighting to give our educators, students, and schools the tools and resources needed to thrive,” said MSEA President Cheryl Bost.
“He has continually demonstrated his commitment to being an ally and champion for Maryland students, educators, and schools. David Trone is willing to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work to deliver for our educators, but most importantly, he’s ready and willing to hear our concerns and take action to help us at a moment’s notice.” Trone’s 6th Congressional District represents Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, as well as a portion of Montgomery County.
During his time in Congress, he’s built a strong track record of standing up for public education. “David Trone already is doing the work to support educators and our students as our congressman so I know he will do the
same as our senator,” said Missy Dirks, president of the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA). “Rep. Trone consistently reaches out to FCTA educators to understand the realities we are facing.
“But even better, he doesn’t just meet with us, he puts what he learns to work. Rep. Trone co-sponsored bills that expand universal meals programs and fund more mental health services for students and he fought for federal dollars to support special education programs.”
Other unions endorsing Trone include the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals 24, 26, and 307.