Candidate Profile: Meet U.S. Rep. Andy Harris

When voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 elections, they will be asked to select an individual to serve U.S. District 1.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to help provide voters with information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Below are the responses from candidate U.S. Rep. Andy Harris.

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Town/City of Residence

Cockeysville

Office Sought

U.S. House

If you are a congressional candidate, please indicate for which district (District 1, District 3, etc.)

District 1

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Wife Nicole, six children and nine grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife Nicole works as a campaign manager for candidates

Education

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Johns Hopkins

Occupation

Physician for 40 years

Campaign website

andyharris.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Congressman 2011-present

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

COVID - We need to protect the vulnerable, open up the economy as much as possible, and continue to fund Operation Warp Speed to deliver treatments and a safe and effective vaccine as soon as possible, so that we can put this pandemic behind us.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I do not support the Black Lives Matter organization - it is a socialist/communist front organization - but I do support the drive for equal treatment of everyone in front of the law. I always support peaceful protest - but never looting or violence.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

We have to increase, not decrease or de-fund the police.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

Now that the World Health Organization has said that shutdowns should not be the primary way to prevent the spread, we should re-open the economy ASAP, while protecting the vulnerable until a vaccine is produced. We do not need a nationwide mask mandate.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a conservative, and I live in the district. My opponent is supported by Hollywood liberals like Amy Schumer, and she has never lived in the First District.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Reduce taxes, cut regulation to get our economy going. Make sure that everyone, including those with pre-existing conditions, has access to affordable health care and insurance, without a mandate.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have helped important industries in the district, like farmers, seafood processors, poultry growers, watermen, and the tourism industry during my term in Congress.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Getting our economy back to the great pre-COVID economy we had, including bringing down unemployment to historically low levels again.

Why should voters trust you?

Because I listen. I have held over 100 live and virtual town halls since I have been in office.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

We have to remember that Congress spends hard-earned taxpayer dollars, not their own - and that we are so far in debt that we are really spending our grandchildren's money at this point. We have to restrain federal spending when COVID is over.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen, don't speak.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been honored to serve as the representative of the First District, and I ask for your vote again.