"I want someone who is a strong advocate at that table when decisions are made that will affect me and my neighbors. I want someone who is willing to listen to her constituents and advocate for the citizens in this district," says Take Action AAC Chair Claire Miller. Progressive Maryland’s leaders around the state are stepping up to say why they support progressive candidates that the organization has endorsed in the June 26 primary election.

/By Claire Miller/ I met Chrissy Holt, who is a candidate for Maryland Senate in District 30, at the March and Rally for Healthcare last summer. She is a passionate advocate on a mission to make sure her son has healthcare when he turns 26 years old. He has hemophilia, one of the most expensive pre-existing conditions a person can have. Chrissy is fighting for her son and for all families who are struggling with the cost of healthcare. She has been lobbying the federal and state legislature about healthcare and addiction for decades. She is willing to stand up and speak out, and she is not afraid to take a strong position on an issue. Chrissy also has the ability to rally people behind her and has taken on local issues here in Anne Arundel County.

When I think about who I want to represent me and my fellow citizens in District 30, I want someone who shares my values.  I believe healthcare is a human right and I am concerned about my peers who are 50-64 years of age. I’ve now entered the most expensive years of my life. People 50-64 years of age are more likely to have chronic health conditions, and in the current health care system, the cost of having a health plan, even with the Affordable Care Act, is 3-5 times higher for people my age. We need to have good jobs just to pay for health plans, let alone co-pays and individual shares of treatment costs. Chrissy supports the new and improved Medicare for All legislation.

Chrissy and I went to the Women’s State of the Union in January and accepted the challenge of getting more women a seat at the table. I want someone who is a strong advocate at that table when decisions are made that will affect me and my neighbors. I want someone who is willing to listen to her constituents and advocate for the citizens in this district.  Let’s face it -- one of the many problems in government today is that those who can pay are the ones who get to play. I want our state government to represent the best interest of its citizens and environment before those in any particular industry.  Chrissy is not taking donations from special interests, and she is independent of the establishment. She is the only candidate in District 30 endorsed by Progressive Maryland (see her response to PM’s questionnaire). She proactively supports issues that will helping working families in our state. Chrissy is also a Mom’s Demand Action for Sensible Gun Legislation candidate.

If you want someone who has progressive values and the business, advocacy, and life experience to represent you in District 30, join me in supporting Chrissy Holt for State Senate.  Vote Chrissy Holt on June 26 or during early voting June 14-21.

Claire Miller is chair of Take Action Anne Arundel County, Progressive Maryland’s local chapter there. Progressive Maryland’s leaders around the state are stepping up to say why they support progressive candidates that the organization has endorsed in the June 26 primary election.