April McClain-Delaney, the wife of former 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful John Delaney, has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary race for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. McClain-Delaney’s triumph over a competitive field of 15 candidates marks a significant achievement in her political career.
McClain-Delaney secured 39.15% of the vote, amassing 13,544 votes, according to unofficial results released by the Maryland Secretary of State’s office. Her victory has earned her the Democratic nomination for the upcoming general election, where she will face Republican nominee Neil Parrott.
Prior to her political aspirations, McClain-Delaney served as deputy assistant secretary for communications in the U.S. Commerce Department during the Biden administration. She holds a prominent position as the spouse of former Representative John Delaney, who previously represented the district for six years and sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.
McClain-Delaney’s primary victory is seen as a continuation of the legacy established by outgoing Representative David Trone, who vacated the seat after three terms to pursue a U.S. Senate bid. The seat is widely considered to be advantageous for Democrats.
McClain-Delaney’s resounding success in the primary can be attributed to the unwavering support she received from prominent Democratic figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representatives Steny Hoyer, and Jamie Raskin. Her campaign also benefited from substantial fundraising, with McClain-Delaney emerging as the top fundraiser in the race.
McClain-Delaney’s journey to this political milestone began in Idaho, where she spent her formative years on a russet potato farm owned by her father. She later attended Georgetown University Law Center, where she met and married her husband, John Delaney. The couple has four children.
McClain-Delaney’s foray into politics was preceded by a successful career in communications law and entrepreneurship. For approximately 25 years, she focused on regulating communications satellites and advocating for the digital privacy of children.
McClain-Delaney’s victory in the Democratic primary sets the stage for a highly contested general election against Republican nominee Neil Parrott. The outcome of the general election will determine the political representation of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
