Editor’s note: More than a dozen Democrats and Republicans are running in the May 14 primary election to be their party’s nominee in the race for the 6th Congressional District seat now held by Rep. David Trone (D), who is running for the U.S. Senate. MoCo360 is running profiles of the candidates based on questionnaire answers submitted for our voters guide. Beginning with the Republican candidates, a profile will be published every weekday until the May 2 start of early voting.
Today’s profile features Democratic candidate Destiny Drake West.
Destiny Drake West
Party: Democrat
Age: 38
Residence: Germantown
Education: master’s degree in advanced study in criminology, law and society, University of California Irvine; bachelor of arts in public relations, California Baptist University
Current/most recent role: Former federal government employee and founder of Women’s Policy Think Tank
Previous political experience: founder and CEO of Drake Institute of Women’s Policy, senior program specialist at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, senior legislative analyst at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Campaign website: https://destinyforcongress.com/
Why are you running?
I’m running to give voice to the 33% of families in crisis in the 6th District, facing poverty, economic instability, and scarce resources. We can’t settle for lukewarm advocacy in these critical times. We need a fierce, collaborative leader like me with federal legislative experience to tackle challenges head-on, despite the dysfunction in Congress. As a resident of the district and working mother of three (soon to be four) minor children, I have the right blend of professional expertise and lived experience to represent all five counties effectively.
If elected, what would your priorities be within your first 100 days in Congress?
I’ll prioritize the fight against poverty to support working families at every stage of life (birth through retirement) by championing small businesses, expanding healthcare access, fighting for environmental justice, and advocating for peace in foreign policy. My goal would be to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future for working families in the 6th District and across the nation.
What district-specific issues are you most passionate about and how would you use your platform to address them?
I’m deeply passionate about addressing economic disparities to combat issues concerning housing, healthcare, food insecurity, and crime. My platform focuses on leveraging my federal policy background to find innovative solutions that can pass both the House and Senate. By bringing together community leaders, businesses, and residents from all backgrounds, I’ll advocate for targeted economic development initiatives, more federal dollars for healthcare investments, and affordable housing solutions.
What do you think Congress’ role should be when it comes to public schools? What can you do to best support the schools?
Congress must ensure equitable funding and resources for public schools, prioritizing educational excellence for every student. As a mother of children who currently attend public schools in Montgomery County, I’ll advocate for federal investments in education, teacher support programs, and infrastructure improvements. My focus will be on creating a nurturing learning environment for all, with particular attention to closing achievement gaps among students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students who speak English as a second language.
How should Congress address crime?
As the sole candidate with a master’s in criminology, law and society and federal legislative experience, I’m uniquely positioned to champion policies that aim to improve outcomes in law enforcement and deter crime in our community. Drawing on my upbringing in a crime-ridden area, I understand the importance of tackling the root causes of crime and bridging divides among stakeholders. Congress must prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and addressing root causes like poverty, addiction, and mental illness, particularly among our youth. I’ll push for comprehensive criminal justice reform in Congress, emphasizing community-based solutions, fairness, and accountability.
How should Congress address gun violence?
As a mom of school-age children, preventing the next mass shooting is personal. Congress must enact universal background checks and ban assault weapons to ensure our kids’ safety. We cannot wait for tragedy to strike again. I’ll fight in Congress to pass sensible gun laws that protect our communities while respecting responsible gun ownership.
The Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade has changed the face of reproductive care access across the country. What should Congress’ role be in the abortion conversation?
Congress must play a crucial role in safeguarding reproductive rights. Considering my personal challenges with multiple ectopic pregnancies that were medically terminated to save my life, I know firsthand how urgent this issue is and will fight relentlessly to ensure that every individual can make informed decisions about their healthcare without facing undue barriers or risks to their health. I will advocate for Congress to protect abortion rights by passing legislation that ensures safe and legal access to reproductive healthcare.
The same Supreme Court decision has raised concerns about marriage rights and gender-affirming care access for LGBTQ+ people. How should Congress address this?
Congress must pass legislation to protect marriage equality and ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have access to quality and affordable healthcare. Upholding the rights and dignity of all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is essential for a just society.
What should Congress’ role be in addressing a changing climate?
Growing up in an impoverished community, I’ve seen firsthand the impacts of environmental degradation on marginalized communities. That’s why I advocate for robust funding mechanisms, supported by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, to combat climate change. Urgent deployment of renewable energy sources like solar will create green jobs and reduce our carbon footprint. Congress must prioritize environmental justice, providing job training, a just transition for workers, and funding for low-income home retrofitting and electric vehicles. Investing in renewable energy ensures a sustainable, equitable future for all through legislative action and international cooperation.
Is there anything else you want to share with prospective voters?
I’ve overcome generational poverty to serve in critical government leadership roles, reflecting American resilience. With experience in healthcare and housing policy, I’m uniquely positioned to represent our district in Congress. There, I’ll fight for the 33% of families struggling to make ends meet. Maryland’s Congressional delegation—ten representatives, all men without minor children—underscores the national trend.
With only 7% of Congress being mothers with minor children, diverse voices like mine are urgently needed. I’m the sole candidate in this race who checks all the boxes: district residency, federal and Capitol Hill experience, previous elected office, motherhood, lived experience, and bipartisan support.
This is the twelfth in a series of candidate profiles. Check out the first profile here.