Rep. Andy Harris wins ninth term in Maryland’s 1st District

Rep. Andy Harris, the Republican incumbent representing Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, won re-election according to the Associated Press, FOX45 Baltimore reported. This marks Harris’s ninth term in Congress, continuing his status as Maryland’s only Republican member in the House of Representatives, The Baltimore Banner noted.

The 1st District covers all nine counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and parts of Baltimore and Harford counties. It is drawn to favor a Republican candidate, which has helped Harris maintain his seat for more than a decade, FOX45 Baltimore and The Baltimore Banner reported.

Despite a strong Democratic showing nationwide, Harris defeated Democrat Dan Schwartz, ending Schwartz’s first-time bid to flip the seat, The Baltimore Banner said. Harris’s victory was called at 11:45 p.m. by the Associated Press.

Harris has been a prominent conservative voice in Washington, leading the House Freedom Caucus and holding a leadership role in federal spending. He is known for aligning with former President Donald Trump’s agenda, including voting for significant cuts to food and healthcare benefits in exchange for tax breaks for the wealthy, The Baltimore Banner reported.

The election also coincides with ongoing discussions about Maryland’s Question 3, which proposes changes to the state’s congressional districting rules. Harris has opposed this amendment, warning it could lead to maps favoring Democrats, FOX45 Baltimore said.

Harris criticized mid-decade redistricting efforts regardless of party, calling the practice a bad idea and attributing recent litigation to Democratic figures. The outcome of Question 3 could affect future district boundaries, including the 1st District, FOX45 Baltimore reported.