Democrat
Chris Van Hollen
Where you live: Kensington
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 1959
Current occupation and employer:
United States senator
Political experience:
Maryland House of Delegates, Jan. 9, 1991 – Jan. 11, 1995
Maryland Senate, Jan. 11, 1995 – Jan. 8, 2003
U.S. House of Representatives, Jan. 3, 2003 – Jan. 3, 2017
U.S. Senate, Jan. 3, 2017 to present
Website: https://vanhollen.org/
Email: info@vanhollen.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanHollenForMD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanHollenForMD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanhollenformd
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for reelection to the U.S. Senate to continue delivering results for all Marylanders and uphold our values of justice, equality, and freedom. I’ve worked successfully to bring key investments to our state — to support our schools, infrastructure, the Bay, access to affordable health care and housing, help for seniors and veterans. At this challenging moment we must protect our democracy and end the hatred and violence that threatens our future.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
The most important issue is what kind of country we will be going forward. Will we protect the right to vote of every citizen? A woman’s right to reproductive freedom? Will we work to build a more inclusive country where all Americans, not just the wealthiest few, have access to good paying jobs, quality education, affordable health care and prescription drugs, decent housing, and dignity in retirement? Will we protect the future of our planet, our environment, and the Chesapeake Bay? I have introduced legislation to advance all of these goals and will continue working to turn them into reality.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
My biggest disappointment has been the outrageous lack of progress on national gun safety legislation. Years ago, I helped lead the successful fight against the gun lobby to pass Maryland’s safety trigger lock law – the first in our country. But Maryland is not an island and I share the anger of a bipartisan majority of Americans about the failure to pass meaningful national reforms, like background checks, bans on high-capacity magazines and semi-automatic assault weapons. I am working to limit ghost guns, expand community violence prevention programs, and pass legislation to crack down on gun trafficking.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I’ve lived here in Montgomery County and worked in Maryland for decades. We raised our family here. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of getting to know our communities and the people across our state. Prior to the US Senate I served as a member of Congress from the 8th District, and earlier Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. I’ve also worked as a legislative assistant to the former U.S. senator from Maryland, Charles Mathias, and adviser to former Maryland Gov. William Donald Schaefer. I know and love our state and am very proud to represent Marylanders.
