Candidate Profile: Delegate Terri Hill 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.

Terri Hill, 60, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Age (as of Election Day)

60

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Single

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My sister Donna Hill Staton served as the Maryland Deputy Attorney General.

Education

Bachelor's degree in bioelectric engineering, Harvard University; medical degree, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Occupation

Surgeon; State Delegate, District 12

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I have served as a State Delegate for District 12 since 2015.

Campaign website

terrihillforcongress.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

My understanding of the community and my ability to get things accomplished in Annapolis have led me to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, where I believe I can be a more impactful advocate for the people of Baltimore City and Baltimore and Howard Counties. I will bring the same sensibilities and expertise to a national platform and continue to listen and focus on health care, civil rights protections and climate change.

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

As a surgeon, I am a practiced listener, as a legislator I am a fierce advocate and as a scientist I take an evidence-based approach to get to the root cause and find sustainable solutions. I have a uniquely relevant experience, perspective and skill set that makes my voice an invaluable contributor to the discussions about health care and climate change.

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

1. Health Care. I have experienced America’s health care system from every side – as a patient, legislator, caregiver, family member and physician. That unique experience will continue to inform my legislative work as I take my fight to ensure that every person has access to quality, affordable health care, including mental health care, to the federal level. I will also continue my work to reduce prescription drug costs, facilitate the development of new, promising solutions to addiction through clinical research, and as only the second female doctor in Congress, I would keep up the fight for reproductive health.

2. Climate Change. There aren’t many scientists in Congress, which may be why we have all been forced to suffer through years of anti-science policies passed by climate change deniers. As a scientist, I see the evidence of climate change to be overwhelming and alarming. In Congress I will employ facts and data to pursue right-sized solutions to address this generational problem. I will also push for policies that encourage future generations to acquire the analytical skills necessary to solve problems and compete in a 21st century economy.

3. Civil Rights Protections. Every American is afforded basic rights by our Constitution, but those rights are under daily attack. As Congresswoman, I will lead the fight to reestablish the civil rights protections that have been eroded and erased by this administration, to ensure no voter is disenfranchised, every person is treated justly by our legal system and the fundamental American values of equity, opportunity, fairness and respect for human dignity are upheld.

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

I have treated patients for 30 years and I have seen firsthand the barriers to care they face and have fought for legislation to address the disparities. Even when people have insurance coverage, the out-of-control cost of premiums, co-pays, deductibles and prescription drugs are killing them. The back and forth in Washington doesn’t help and has far too many worried about getting any kind of coverage at all. I will be able to contribute constructively to Congress finding a solution that works.

Of the 117 physicians currently serving in Congress, there is only one woman. As a surgeon, woman of color and trained scientist, I will provide a missing perspective and important voice to the national debate on urgent issues like affordable and accessible health care, women’s reproductive health, mental health and addiction treatments.

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 approach District [7] in the same way I do when treating patients and the same way I've represented residents in District 12, both with diverse class and social statuses. I show up, I listen and I help to address our common goals of healthy and safe communities, quality education, jobs with sustainable wages, opportunities to thrive and resources to allow our seniors to age with security.

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

I have represented portions of this District since 2015 as a State delegate. Although my focus has been on health care, my legislative successes extend to housing, education, the environment and improving the lives of the underserved. In the most recent session, my successful efforts included legislation to improve access to prescription drugs for patients with chronic illnesses, the creation of programs and funding mechanisms to assist seniors wishing to stay in their homes, access to HIV prevention medication for minors, and to protect us from contaminated water.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"People may not remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel." What matters is that I show up, I listen and I take action. People like to be heard, and they like to have their problems solved. I am a problem solver.

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

This has been my home for 50 years. I was educated in the Howard County public school system and I returned after college and medical school to set up a solo medical practice. I have provided high-quality medical care to patients in my greater Baltimore-Washington area-based practice for more almost 30 years. I have gone to the same church in Baltimore for 30 years. This is my community and I want to ensure that every person has access to opportunity, safe housing, strong schools, a healthy environment and good, affordable health care. This is my vision for the people of Maryland’s 7th Congressional District and this is what I will fight to achieve.