Tom Royals
Candidate in May 14 primary
Republican
Darnestown, Montgomery County
Age: 39 years old on day of General Election (Nov. 5)
Occupation: Sales Executive, Former U.S. Navy Officer and Combat Aviator
Education: Bachelor of Science in History, United States Naval Academy
Master of Business Administration, University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Previous political experience: I believe Congress needs a fighter, not another career politician. I fought for the country before on combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m prepared to do so again in Congress.
America is under attack from career politicians who have made their wealth in Congress putting their focus above the people they represent. Our district needs a fighter who will take on the issues facing them and secure a better future for every Maryland family.
The Founding Fathers of our nation did not envision a system where career politicians, out of touch with the issues facing their constituents, would have total control over the policies that impact those communities. That is why I signed the US Term Limits pledge because America needs a fighter – not another career politician.
Why are you running for office?
My name is Tom Royals. I’m a husband, father, veteran, and former Naval Flight Officer who is ready to take the values that guided me flying combat missions over Afghanistan and Iraq to fight for the conservative values of hardworking Maryland families in Congress.
After witnessing the horrors inflicted on our nation on 9/11, I attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and was commissioned as an Officer in the Navy.
I flew F-18 Super Hornets off the deck of aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf on combat missions over Afghanistan and Iraq, flying close air support on armed overwatch missions to support and defend our troops on the ground, and destroyed enemy explosives intended to kill Americans.
As the next Representative for Maryland’s Sixth District, I will fight for children to be educated, for the rights of parents, to stop out-of-control spending in Washington and to secure our nation’s southern border to stop the flow of lethal opioids and violent crime into Maryland.
Do you believe, as President Joe Biden has said, that “democracy is on the ballot” and, if so, in what way?
I’m running for Congress because America is under attack.
When America was under attack on September 11th, 2001, I stepped up and answered the call to serve. Now, I see America under a different kind of attack – left-wing politicians targeting the rights of parents, lawlessness on America’s southern border allowing crime and lethal drugs into Maryland’s communities, anti-police rhetoric and soft on crime policies putting our communities at risk, and reckless spending and out of control debt threatening the livelihoods of hardworking Maryland families.
As a father and a veteran I will never stop fighting for our children to be educated in the classroom, restore common sense and fiscal responsibility in Washington and achieve a safer, more prosperous future for every Maryland family.
I’m ready to take the values that guided me on combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan to fight for our country in Congress, because when America is under attack, you send a fighter.
Will you accept the presidential election result once the totals have been certified by the states and any legal challenges adjudicated?
Yes, free and fair elections are bedrock principles of the United States, the same principles I joined the Navy to defend.
When I get to Congress, I’ll work to restore faith in our elections and improve election integrity by passing legislation that requires states to mandate voter ID, maintain accurate voter rolls, only send absentee ballots to people who request them and only count mail in ballots that are received by election day.
Do you support additional assistance for Ukraine’s military forces two years into Russia’s invasion?
The primary reason the war in Ukraine started is because we have a weak president who our enemies neither respect nor fear.
When America projects weakness and leads from behind, chaos ensues and that is exactly what has happened.
I served in the Navy as a Naval Flight Officer flying F-18 Super Hornets off aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf. I know all too well the threat Russia poses to our country, our allies and the entire world.
I do support military aid to Ukraine, however, under no circumstances should the United States put US Troops on the ground and in harm’s way.
Furthermore, I believe Congress needs to conduct vigilant oversight over every dollar we give to Ukraine to ensure the money is being used properly.
The Chinese Communist Party is watching our every move when it comes to Ukraine. China would love nothing more than to invade Taiwan. The greatest deterrent we can provide to China’s aggression is to ensure Putin fails his quest to conquer Ukraine.
Should the United States be speaking out more clearly, as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has suggested, about civilian casualties in Gaza?
As a devout Christian and former U.S. Navy aviator who flew combat missions over
Afghanistan and Iraq, I understand the importance of a strong alliance
between Israel and the United States.
The United States, and all our institutions, should lead with absolute moral clarity in condemning terrorist violence in all circumstances and supporting the people of Israel as they take decisive action to defend their safety against unimaginable savagery. We cannot afford to coddle ignorant and dangerous views with silence.
Our elected officials should unequivocally, condemn the repulsive, indefensible and dangerous rhetoric that expresses support for the brutal murder and rape of innocent civilians.
In Congress, I will unapologetically stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel as America’s most important strategic ally in the Middle East, defend our shared values, and fight against anti-Semitism.
Should Congress act to protect abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision?
My wife and I are blessed with nine children. I believe America should be a country that values and protects life.
Left-wing politicians in Maryland seek to push the boundaries of extremism on this issue in our state, including enabling late-term abortions. We should elect leaders with the courage to reject their extremism and seek consensus, civility, and compassion in the protection of vulnerable lives.
Editor’s note: Baltimore Sun Media received this candidate’s responses on March 15.
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