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 Laurie-Anne Sayles.
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Party: Democrat
Age: 42
Residence: Gaithersburg
Education: University of Maryland; University of Baltimore
Current/most recent role: Montgomery County Councilmember At-large, former senior project manager for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Previous political experience: county councilmember (at-large), Gaithersburg City councilmember
Campaign Website: https://www.saylesforus.com/
Why are you running?
Hard work and making ends meet is too hard for many working families today. We need people in Congress who are willing to put people over politics to bring consensus building to the chaos ensuing in Washington because women and people of color are losing their rights, children are terrorized in school by guns, families and small businesses are drowning, and our entire Democracy is on the line. I’m running for Congress because Maryland deserves trusted, tested, and experienced leaders, and I will ensure Washington works for us!
What would your priorities be if elected within your first 100 days in Congress?
I will hit the ground running in my first 100 days in Congress. My top priorities will be to hire the best staff possible to advance our legislative agenda, establish district offices to handle constituent inquiries, build solid relationships with members of Congress, both within my party and across the aisle, to facilitate opportunities for collaboration so when I introduce bills to advance my S.M.A.R.T.E.R. 6th District legislative agenda, I’ll have the support of my colleagues while navigating committee work, advocating for issues on the House floor, fundraising, and establishing myself as a force to be reckoned with in Washington.
What district-specific issues are you most passionate about, and how would you use your platform to address them?
There are too many threats to our future and well-being – from economic worry to the climate crisis to the attacks on our fundamental rights and Democracy. My S.M.A.R.T.E.R. 6th District agenda prioritizes the urgent community needs that matter the most. I am determined to protect our democracy and ensure a safe, healthy, affordable community’s fiscal future and vibrancy. Moreover, I offer my unwavering support to the military and veterans, improve healthcare affordability and access, revitalize economic growth, prioritize climate change action, target educational investments, and codify Roe v Wade. My efforts will create a brighter future for our communities by making the government work for us.
What do you think Congress’ role should be regarding public schools? How can you best support them?
I am determined to prioritize public schools by supporting relevant legislation and advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of students and educators. I will not hesitate to fight for increased federal funding, address funding gaps, promote teacher training, and increase access to technology in underserved communities. By collaborating with education stakeholders, I will tirelessly work towards promoting school safety and mental health and reducing standardized testing burdens. My efforts will significantly and positively impact public schools in my district and beyond.
How should Congress address crime?
Congress must address crime holistically by implementing a comprehensive approach combining prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies through various legislative measures and policies. By prioritizing criminal justice reform, community policing, gun control, mental health support, youth programs, addressing root causes, and victim support, Congress can effectively tackle crime and foster safer communities. Congress must take immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of the American people.
How should Congress address gun violence?
Congress can address gun violence through various legislative measures and policy initiatives, such as universal background checks, closing gun shows and online sale loopholes, ban assault weapons, promote Red Flag laws, funding for gun violence research, community violence prevention programs, advocacy for safe storage laws by prioritizing these measures and working towards bipartisan solutions in Congress can make significant strides in reducing gun violence and promoting safer communities.
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?
The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 was alarming. Congress must take an unwavering stance by immediately passing federal legislation to establish and protect abortion rights. Congress must be relentless in advocating for reproductive rights, fiercely supportive of access to reproductive healthcare, and launch widespread public awareness campaigns. Additionally, they must provide vigorous legal backing and substantial funding for women’s health clinics. Congress must act decisively to restore reproductive rights and ensure that individuals have complete autonomy over their bodies.
The same Supreme Court decision has raised concerns about marriage rights and gender-affirming care access for LGBTQ+ people. How should Congress address this?
To effectively address concerns about marriage rights and gender-affirming care access for LGBTQ+ individuals, Congress must take decisive action. Democrats and Republicans must engage in open dialogue, find common ground, and advocate for the rights of all individuals, including working towards bipartisan legislation, building coalitions, and engaging with the public. By approaching this issue with a spirit of collaboration, emphasizing shared values, and prioritizing equality, Democrats and Republicans can work together to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals in Congress.
What should Congress’ role be in addressing a changing climate?
We are in a climate emergency, and Congress must take bold and assertive actions to combat climate change. Last year marked the hottest winter on record, and it’s high time for Congress to urgently advocate for renewable energy, push for funding sustainable infrastructure projects, enforce strict regulations on emissions, protect natural resources, promote climate resilience planning, and support global efforts to combat climate change. Congress must take action now to prioritize these critical actions to effectively mitigate climate change’s effects and create a more sustainable future for our planet.
Is there anything else you want to share with prospective voters?
The situation in Washington is critical, and we need capable individuals who can act immediately to ensure Washington works for us. Democrats stand unwaveringly for equality, justice, and progress for all Americans. In these challenging times, we require experienced and principled leaders committed to making a real difference, standing up for what is right, and fighting for the rights of every individual. We can achieve a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. 6th District for ourselves and our future generations. Please vote for Laurie-Anne Sayles, the candidate who will fight tirelessly for you, your family, and a better America
This is the tenth in a series of candidate profiles. Check out the first profile here.