Buckel Considering Congressional Run?

Whispers from Annapolis indicated the House Minority Leader considering a run in the 6th District

House Minority Leader Jason Buckel might be making a run for Congress in the 6th District next year. Multiple sources in Annapolis have checked in that an aide to Buckel has told them that he is considering such a run.

The expansive Western Maryland district is currently represented by Congressman David Trone. Trone is considering a run for the U.S. Senate if Senator Ben Cardin decides to retire.

Buckel is in his third term in the House of Delegates, representing Allegany County. He has been the House Minority Leader since the end of the 2021 General Assembly session. Professional, Buckel is an attorney in Cumberland.

“I honestly haven’t given that much thought today,” Buckel told me via text message. “Trone runs for US Senate, it may be worthwhile to take a longer look.”

A Trone candidacy for U.S. Senate would likely create a flood of candidates on both sides of the aisle seeking a free shot at running for Congress. Other potential Republican candidates could include former Delegate Dan Cox, former Delegate Neil Parrott (who has been the Republican nominee twice before), and former State Senator Mike Hough. Potential Democrats could include former Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner, former Frederick County Councilman Kai Hagen, State Senator Karen Young, or State Senator Brian Feldman.