Incumbent House Representative Andy Harris (R–Dist. 1) won reelection against write-in candidate John LaFerla (D–Chestertown) after the original Democratic primary winner dropped from the race amid voter fraud allegations.
Harris, from Cockeysville, was leading with 64 percent of votes as of 10:40 p.m., according to the State Board of Elections. The next highest tally, with 27 percent of votes, went to Wendy Rosen (D-Cockeysville), who is no longer running.
Maryland's 1st Congressional District has voted conservative in recent history, and Democratic primary winner, Rosen, all but sealed the liberals' fate when the Maryland Democratic Party asked her to bow out amid claims she voted in two states.
"Our nation faces real challenges," Harris told Maryland Republicans waiting for results at an election party in Linthicum. "We all sense that America is on the brink of declining and losing its place as a leader in the world, however, I'm not one who believes America's best days are behind us."
Harris pointed to America's climb out of the Great Depression, and involvement in World War II, as examples of how Americans have stepped up before.
"I believe in American greatness, and I will not apologize for it," Harris said.
Democratic candidate John LaFerla, who was endorsed by Maryland Democrats after Rosen dropped out, relied on write-in votes. The number of write-ins totaled less than 6 percent of votes, and the number for LaFerla have not been announced.
