As the 2024 elections approach, voters in Maryland are focused on several key issues that will likely influence their decisions at the polls, particularly in the competitive 6th Congressional District race. Voters will decide on November 5, 2024, whether to elect Democrat April McClain Delaney or Republican Neil Parrott, with the district having been represented by Democrats for over a decade [3ea7e14b].
Social Security has emerged as a top priority for Maryland voters, especially following the appointment of Martin O'Malley as the new Social Security Administration commissioner in 2024. O'Malley has addressed public fears regarding the program's longevity, assuring residents that it will not go bankrupt [5f20aabf].
Crime is also a pressing concern, as Baltimore ranks among the top five U.S. cities for violent crime. Homicide rates in Maryland have increased by 35% since 2012, contributing to a heightened sense of urgency regarding public safety [5f20aabf].
Abortion rights are a critical issue in the upcoming elections, with Maryland protecting abortion at all stages. The state has seen a 40% increase in out-of-state patients seeking care following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, highlighting Maryland's role as a refuge for reproductive health services [5f20aabf].
Economic factors are also at the forefront, with Maryland boasting the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 1.8%. The state's GDP grew from 1.6% to 2.7% in the third quarter of 2023, totaling $518.7 billion [5f20aabf]. While immigration ranks as the least prioritized issue among voters, it remains significant, with 16.6% of Maryland's population being immigrants who collectively hold $38.6 billion in spending power [5f20aabf].
As Maryland voters head to the polls, these issues will be pivotal in shaping the electoral landscape and determining the direction of the state in the coming years, particularly in the context of the competitive House race between Delaney and Parrott [3ea7e14b].