Top Md. Democrats mobilizing to compete for newly open congressional seat, while GOP sees opportunity

Less than a week after U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes’ surprise announcement that he would not seek a 10th term, several high-profile Democrats are mobilizing to try to replace him, and Republicans believe the Democratic congressman’s decision could put his 3rd District seat into play for the first time in decades. Two rising stars in the Maryland General Assembly, House Ways and Means Committee Chair Vanessa E. Atterbeary (D-Howard) and state Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-Anne Arundel), told Maryland Matters this week that they plan to compete in the Democratic primary next May.