Kweisi Mfume
Candidate in May 14 primary
Democratic
Baltimore City
Age: 76 on day of General Election (Nov. 5)
Occupation: Member of Congress
Education: Morgan State University (Bachelor of Science), Johns Hopkins University (Master of Arts)
Previous political experience: Baltimore City Council (1979 to 1986) and U.S. Congress (1987 – 1996 and 2020 – Present)
Why are you running for office?
Public service is my life’s passion. I have had the honor of serving local communities, national communities, and everything in between for several decades. Since I returned to Congress in 2020, I have zealously represented Maryland’s 7th Congressional District through a global pandemic, political insurrection, and major urban challenges. I feel very prepared to continue serving the People in Congress – based on my decades of experience and track record of getting things done. I know the communities of Greater Baltimore and would like to believe that I have earned the trust of our citizens.
Do you believe, as President Joe Biden has said, that “democracy is on the ballot” and, if so, in what way?
Yes, because we cannot afford another insurrection like the one I witnessed at the United States Capitol on January 6th. The people who participated in that insurrection, and others who supported their efforts, wanted to overturn a fair and open election. Their efforts continue to threaten our democracy.
Will you accept the presidential election result once the totals have been certified by the states and any legal challenges adjudicated?
Yes.
Do you support additional assistance for Ukraine’s military forces two years into Russia’s invasion?
Yes.
Should the United States be speaking out more clearly, as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has suggested, about civilian casualties in Gaza?
Yes.
Should Congress act to protect abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision?
Yes.
What more can the federal government do to help Baltimore battle homicides and other violent crime?
There are too many guns in the hands of too many people who should not have them. This includes individuals with mental health challenges, individuals simply determined to commit crimes, and others. I introduced the “Identifying Mass Shooters Act” and the “Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act” to thwart the stockpiling of weapons and ammunition. Similarly, I introduced the “Witness Protection Act” in Congress to empower and protect citizens who too often fall victim to crimes. We need to pass an assault weapons ban, fully fund the police, invest in mental health programs, and provide uplifting activities for our youth.
Maryland’s 7th district has long been associated with the civil rights movement since the days of Parren Mitchell. How would you describe the state of race relations in 2024 and what is the role of Congress in addressing civil rights at the local, state and national level?
America is divided in too many ways, including by race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political party, class and more. These divisions challenge our nation’s ability to reach its maximum potential and should be the highest concern for all of us.
As a first order of business, Congress should serve as a model for the nation. A model that says we work hard to overcome our differences instead of working hard to create more differences amongst us. Beyond that, Congress needs to exercise its federal authority to support the local and state laws from around the country that make sense. Finally, we must ensure the equal and unfettered right to vote for all by passing the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act” right away.
Editor’s note: Baltimore Sun Media received this candidate’s responses on April 11.
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