Maryland state lawmaker defeats Jan. 6 police officer in Democratic House primary

Maryland state Sen. Sarah Elfreth (D) has won the Democratic primary for Maryland’s 3rd congressional district, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ.

Elfreth, who was the youngest woman ever elected to the Maryland Senate when she won her seat in 2018, topped the crowded Tuesday primary race that also included former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who was on duty during the Jan. 6 riots and garnered significant media attention in the lead-up to Tuesday.

Polling conducted last month for Dunn’s team showed him leading within the margin of error, up just slightly over Elfreth. Her House campaign has raised more than $1.4 million, according to FEC filings, though that trails Dunn’s $4.5 million. 

Elfreth is now expected to cruise toward the general election in the district considered safe for Democrats this fall, though a handful of Republicans have put their name in the ring for the GOP primary. 

Sarbanes, who has been in Congress since 2007, is retiring at the end of this term, opening up the House seat representing Howard County and parts of Anne Arundel and Carrol counties, including Annapolis.