Joe Vogel
Candidate in May 14 primary
Democratic
Gaithersburg, Montgomery County
Age: 27 on day of General Election (Nov. 5)
Occupation: Maryland State Delegate
Education: BA from George Washington University
MPP from Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Previous political experience: I have worked on bettering my community, whether in politics, government, or community organizing, starting at the age of 15 when I first volunteered on Obama’s 2012 campaign.
After the 2012 election, I worked on a number of elections including, District 17 State Senator Cheryl Kagan 2014 campaign, Hilary Clinton’s 2016 and President Biden’s 2020 Presidential campaigns. I worked in Senator Cory Booker’s office on a number of progressive causes and initiatives. During the global pandemic, I founded Learn It Together, a nationwide education nonprofit that provides free tutoring for children of essential workers.
In 2021, I successfully ran for the Maryland House of Delegates. As a Delegate, I focused on passing bipartisan legislation that would address our most significant challenges. I wrote and passed legislation to make historic investments in mental health, address the fentanyl crisis, and combat the rise in hate crimes.
Why are you running for office?
I am running to bring my experience as a practiced legislator to Congress. As an immigrant who came to this country, I believe in the American Dream. Being part of the school shooting generation and the LGBT community, I believe that proximity to policy matters. I have advanced meaningful climate, health, and justice legislation with bipartisan support; I am ready to take on those same fights in Congress, overcoming party gridlock to deliver real results for working families.
Do you believe, as President Joe Biden has said, that “democracy is on the ballot” and, if so, in what way?
Yes, I do believe that “democracy is on the ballot” in this election. The Republican Party has made it clear that they are fine with January 6th and would go even further if Trump loses the election again. Donald Trump has shown that he has no respect for the rule of law, our Constitution, or our democracy. He is running to stay out of prison and has explicitly stated that he wants to be a dictator.
Donald Trump and the Republican Party are trying to suppress the right to vote so that they can steal this election and make their authoritarian vision a reality. We can’t let that happen. That is why we must restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act and advance additional legislation ensuring every American is allowed to vote without being placed under undue burdens or barriers to deny them access. We must also empower the Department of Justice to prosecute any attempts by governments or extremist groups to prevent Americans from making their voices heard.
Will you accept the presidential election result once the totals have been certified by the states and any legal challenges adjudicated?
Yes, part of being in a democracy is accepting the legitimate results of an election, regardless of whether you like the outcome. The Democratic Party hasn’t forgotten this key democratic principle, and neither have I.
Do you support additional assistance for Ukraine’s military forces two years into Russia’s invasion?
Yes, I do. I am proud that President Biden and the United States have led the world in condemning and countering the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, providing critical support to the Ukrainians in defense of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a war for democracy, and the United States must stand strong against Russian aggression. The United States has a responsibility to continue backing the people of Ukraine, not only as a defense of a valued European partner in its time of need but as a clear declaration of our resolve to deter any further Russian aggression that would endanger our NATO allies.
Should the United States be speaking out more clearly, as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has suggested, about civilian casualties in Gaza?
After the unconscionable attacks by Hamas on October 7, I’ve remained vocal in my support for Israel’s right to defend itself. I believe that the United States should continue its support for Israel. But I also recognize that as Israel’s closest ally, we must work together to ensure lasting peace and security are pursued through tactics that reflect international law, our shared values, and our common respect for human life. As we support Israel’s right to defend itself, we should also demand restraint and protection of all civilian life. I will support direct negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian governments to reach a two-state solution and lasting peace, and I oppose any efforts that undermine future prospects of peace. In Congress, I will join the Abraham Accords Caucus and be a strong voice in support of new normalization agreements between Israel and other countries in the region.
Should Congress act to protect abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision?
Yes. The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was a devastating blow to women across the country and their ability to make their own healthcare decisions. In light of this, Congress must prioritize making sure everyone has access to affordable, reliable, and safe reproductive health care.
In the Maryland State House, I proudly stood behind our state’s declaration of the Right to Reproductive Freedom and supported legislation to make Maryland a sanctuary state for those seeking reproductive care. This session, I’ve sponsored legislation to provide up to $500,000 in security grant funding to abortion clinics facing unprecedented attacks. When elected to Congress, my first action will be to cosponsor the Women’s Health Protection Act, which establishes a right for healthcare professionals to provide abortion care and the right for their patients to receive care, free from bans and medically unnecessary restrictions that single out abortion care
Editor’s note: Baltimore Sun Media received this candidate’s responses on March 18.
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