Candidate Profile: Anthony Carter Sr. 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.

Anthony Carter Sr., 56, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Age (as of Election Day)

56

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Anthony Jr., Mark, Christina, lmmanuel Aaliyah

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Emergency management, health and safety and law enforcement

Occupation

Emergency management, public safety, community outreach and service

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

Anthony Carter Facebook

Why are you seeking elective office?

Having served the citizens of Baltimore City for 26 years, I have witnessed the decline of this city for over 20 years — lack of opportunity, urban development, crime, poor education, poor leadership.

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

I would spend more time in my district solving high crime [and addressing] lack of urban renewal and minority business opportunity, affordable health care, education, housing, prescription drugs, tax reduction for middle class, tax-free retirement savings, college education tax-deductible, Pell grants, Social Security increase and environment and make the drug companies pay for the opioid crisis, not the taxpayers recommended by Elijah Cummings, 10 billion plan.

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

Health care, campaign finance reform and funding undeveloped communities.

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

I really work on the streets of Baltimore City to protect and save lives, not like others claim.

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?

Acknowledge their hard work and dedication for family and community, but working together to up lift all communities.

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

Serving the citizens of Baltimore communities on day ground zero.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Comfortability is Complacency" — my mother, social worker, community activist, Baltimore City.

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

I was on the ground helping others and saving lives. Do you want another empty suit giving speeches or a fighter?