Former combat aviator announces GOP bid for open House seat in Maryland

EXCLUSIVE — A former Navy officer and combat aviator has entered the race to represent Maryland’s 6th Congressional District as a Republican.

Tom Royals hopes to succeed Rep. David Trone (D-MD), who announced in May his decision to run for the retiring Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D-MD) open Senate seat instead.

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Royals made his choice to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy after witnessing the Sept. 11 terror attacks, according to his campaign announcement. There, he explained, he “earned my wings as a Naval Flight Officer and deployed overseas to fight for our freedoms on combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.”

In a video announcement, the veteran further described how his desire to emulate his grandfather’s example drove him to serve his country.

“Now, as a husband and father, I see America under a different kind of attack,” he said in a press release. “Left-wing politicians are targeting the rights of parents, lawlessness on America’s southern border is allowing lethal drugs to flood into Maryland communities, anti-police rhetoric and soft on crime policies are putting communities at risk and reckless spending and out-of-control debt are threatening our economy.”

Maryland state Del. Joe Vogel, a Democrat, announced his bid for the seat in May, soon after Trone’s decision. Vogel is 26 years old and would be one of the youngest members of Congress if elected. In his announcement, he called attention to his age, saying, “We need a new generation of leaders in Washington who understand exactly what’s at stake in this moment. We just can’t wait to end gun violence, secure our rights, protect our democracy, and save our planet.”

Royals will have to compete with other Republicans for the nomination in 2024, however. Republican Dr. Mariela Roca has also announced her candidacy. Roca is also a veteran and parent. Neil Parrot is additionally considering throwing his hat into the ring to pick up the seat for House Republicans. Parrot was the GOP nominee against Trone in both 2020 and 2022. In 2022, he lost to the Democratic congressman 54% to 45%.

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The race is rated “likely Democrat” by the Cook Political Report. Despite this, Republicans are hopeful that with millionaire Total Wine & More co-owner Trone out of the race, they will be able to make the seat more competitive.

Trone notably spent millions of dollars of his own on his House races. In his high-profile Senate bid, Trone has reportedly loaned himself $9.7 million so far.