Candidate Profile: Harry Spikes 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.

Harry Spikes, 37, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat.

Age (as of Election Day)

37

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. My family places a high premium on the principles of Servant Leadership and values it for good decision-making on behalf of the organizations we represent, and in the Congressional offices where we've served.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University. Masters of Public Administration in Public Policy from the University of Baltimore.

Occupation

Self-employed

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

District Director for Rep. Elijah E. Cummings

Campaign website

https://www.spikes4congress.co...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for congress because our time is now. And despite the uncertainties and frustrations of the time, I still believe in a dream — which was deeply rooted in the American dream — that is forward thinking, inclusive and equitable for all constituents in the 7th District of Maryland. I also provide fresh new perspective on today’s issues facing Maryland’s 7th Congressional District. I am also the only candidate who has been with you through 15 years of the district’s evolution. My former boss, mentor, and friend Congressman Elijah E. Cummings once said that “our children are the living messengers to a future we will never see.” I believe that I am the messenger and I want to use everything that he has taught me to be the best Congressman that I could be.

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

I have the energy to ensure that you will have a strong, faithful, and zealous advocate in Congress for years to come.

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

Health care: Protecting healthcare and making it more affordable.
Education: Strengthening schools and provided student debt relief.
Housing: Expanding housing access and opportunities and making it more affordable.

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

We need a new generation of leaders and torchbearers who will continue the fight for justice waged by everyday hero’s from our district. The United States Congress is more than a collection of offices. It’s the People’s House. And I’m running because right now, because our issues and our concerns are being ignored — with entire communities left behind. I am also the only candidate for Congress that truly understands the needs of the people of Maryland’s 7th Congressional District. For the last 15 years of my career, I proudly served the people of Baltimore County, Howard County and Baltimore City as Congressman Elijah Cummings’ District Director.

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?

Diversity is our strength, and inclusive representation is the key to having better policies and legislation that moves us all forward. I know our issues. Not because I’ve read about them. But, because I lived them. I know what it like to have. I also know what it is like to go without.

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

I have always been a diligent worker, and I’ve never let obstacles get in my way. I fought tirelessly on Capitol Hill for legislative changes and reforms, particularly with the Social Security Administration (SSA). I am the author of [legislation] making sure a person who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer will automatically qualify for Social Security disability benefits. As a result of my efforts and advocacy as District Director for Congressman Elijah Cummings, SSA determined that prostate cancer is one of the illnesses that meet disability standards and is a compassionate allowance condition. Now, if someone is diagnosed with this, the SSA will expedite their application for disability.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Children are the living messengers to a future we will never see. — Congressman Elijah E. Cummings

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

I am fighting for a more livable world. We must make our streets safer by passing true gun-reform and cleaning up our environment by stopping environmental injustice. Representation is also important to me. We aren’t going to address inequity in our policies if we do not have more diverse leaders at the table. Inclusive policies result from inclusive representation.