Candidate Profile: Adrian Petrus For House District 7

BALTIMORE, MD — There are 32 candidates looking to fill the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives left vacant by Elijah Cummings, who died Oct. 17. Patch asked them to describe their qualifications and visions for District 7, which includes parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County.

Eight Republicans and 24 Democrats are running in the special primary, which will be Tuesday. The special election will be April 28, the same day as the Maryland primary.

Adrian Petrus, 45, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I have a daughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Some college

Occupation

Protective Security Officer with homeland security.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

Adrianpetrus.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to make changes in 7th district. There is so much corruption, and we need to clean it up.

Why do you think you would be a good U.S. representative for District 7?

Because I did not take any money from anyone. My only loyalty is to the people.

If elected, what would be your three key priorities in the U.S. House?

Education, jobs and end homelessness plus more.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I’m the only candidate that did not take money, therefore I’m only loyal to the people alone. No personal interest of any kind.

How would you approach representing a district that includes one of the wealthiest counties in the nation as well as a city where more than 20 percent of people live in poverty?

I would focus on Baltimore City, in that way I can protect the rest of the district from crimes. We need better education for the kids, if we give them the best, then they can have a chance. Bringing well-paid jobs to the district would help everyone. I would focus on bringing back trade schools, after-school programs and work with local government to improve housing for everyone in the city. I want to work hard in reducing the cost of medications so our senior citizens don’t have to worry about the high cost of medication. I would work with both parties in Washington to secure $10 billion a year for the district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I served in the U.S. Navy with honors, I will also serve the people of the 7th district with honors and not with corruption. I will fight for them every second of the day.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Congressman Bill Alexander of Arkansas told me ... If you ever want to be a congressman you have to be honest and understand what people need. Be yourself 100 percent.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I served in the U.S. Navy with honor, and I learned so much while in the service. Now I want to serve you the same way. You deserve only the best, you deserve honesty and not corrupt system.