Name*
George Croom
Age*
38
County of Residence*
Baltimore City
Office Sought and District*
US Congress 2nd District
Political Party*
Democrat
Education*
Bachelors Degree - Winston Salem State University
Career/Occupation*
US Army Officer/Congressional Liaison for US Army Program Executive Office of Intelligence, Electronics Warfare, and Sensors
Political Experience*
13 years working on state campaigns, 7 years working on Capitol Hill
Website*
Social Media Accounts*
Twitter/Instagram: @GeorgeCroom; Facebook: @croomforcongress
Why are you running for office?*
I'm running because I believe each generation should step up to lead. I also believe that with so many changes ahead in our country we need leaders with ideas to make progress by finding solutions that serve the lives of their constituents.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why?*
Sen. Sherrod Brown. He stands up for working class Americans and proves that Democrats who fight for and stand on something can lead and find common ground with Republicans.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why?*
Elizabeth Warren - Persist. In the book Sen. Warren lays out the argument for an America that is true to its highest ideals. She speaks to the belief that we can do big things without bankrupting the country and provides a plan to do so.
What will be your top priority if elected?*
My life was changed drastically the day my mom, a single mother, was able to own a home. It was the first huge step out of poverty that my family made. My first sponsored bill will be to incentivize investors and developers that create low income rentals and affordable homes for purchase. It will also provide funding to state and local organizations for home ownership and prosperity education courses, creating a pool of eligible and educated renters and buyers.
What are the three biggest issues facing your district?*
1. I want to have honest conversations with Republicans and Democrats in Carroll to decide whether charter government is good for the county. I'll establish a bipartisan working group that will deliver a recommendation to me. From there, I'll lead from my federal seat by working with the state reps in District 5 and 42C to enact whatever the will of the people is. Our lack of digital inequality and equitable education are a national security threat. It's highlighted in places like the 2nd district where we have very rural and densely populated urban areas. For years we've been told that they have competing interests. I grew up in areas that were similar to both and that couldn't be further from the truth. 2. I'll work with the State Legislatures from both parties to develop a list of educational priorities. I'll seek federal subsidies that ensure every Maryland student starts with a base standard resources. That means things like laptops, wifi hotspots, and books will become a mandatory standard whether you live in Baltimore City, Hampstead, or Union Bridge. 3. I'll propose a Rural Digital Enhancement Bill, similar to the Rural Electrification Bill in the 1930s. This will increase rural broadband service across the most rural areas of Maryland ensuring that businesses have reliable access to the increasingly global marketplace. It will also eliminate parent's concerns by ensuring that their children aren't at a digital disadvantage to children both in the US and overseas.
What are the three biggest issues facing our country?*
1. Leadership: Both parties have begun playing to their respective bases. Leaders, however, have the courage to stand on something and face whatever consequences come as a result. I am not a reliable vote for the Democratic party. I will lead when required, as the Army has trained me, without worrying about it's implications for my eventual re-election. 2. Poverty: Poverty creates the conditions for crime and drug use. Whether its murders in Baltimore City or opioid overdoses in Carroll and Baltimore County, it all falls back on our inability to curb high poverty rates. 3. Job Creation: This is somewhat tied to the issue of poverty. In Maryland, residents and businesses are dealing with higher taxes than 39 other states in the country. Government policies that believe overtaxing is a way to solve problems neglect the reality that businesses and people, especially when faced with record high inflation, will flee to places like Texas and Florida if the alternative is to succumb to crippling government taxes that yield a lack of government services.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide)*
I believe that people should have the opportunity to decide what happens to their own bodies. We can't stand on the hill of personal responsibility when it comes to finances then say that the government should decide what happens when it comes to governing our physical form. I'm a Christian but I don't believe that my Christian values should be imposed on the masses. We are not "one nation under God." The original pledge of allegiance said, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” That reflected the constitutions insistence on a separation of church and state and that is how we should view the issue of governing life. In addition, pro-life means fixing the foster care/abortion system. Ensuring that trans care is regarded as mental health and not a religious or medical care issue. Also, we must recognize that cutting social security is an inhumane and disrespectful way of thanking the generations that have come before us. It also ignores the fact that we are all consistently aging and should treat others as we would hope to be treated.
What is your position on taxes, spending, and the federal deficit?*
In my home we’ve been working to release our debt load by the end of the year. Our debt stems from student loans but we’ve developed a plan to pay those off. The US Government should be held to a higher standard than households are. Taxes can be lowered if we aren’t paying off past debts. Debts can be paid off faster if we lower spending. Spending can be lowered if we reduce governments function to performing only the services that are essential.
What is your position on gun rights?*
I’m a legal and responsible gun owner. I have handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic rifles. I also don’t believe that everyone should have access to weapons. I complete training, through the military, to certify that I am worthy to carry weapons in war. I believe that everyday citizens should go through at least the training and qualification that I go through to carry weapons on American soil.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?*
Spending money to lock up and criminalize low level marijuana users is not fiscally responsible. Not to mention, this disproportionately impacts minority communities. Marijuana being a schedule 1 drug cuts the ability to study its positive impacts easily and defies science.
What is your position on trade?*
The world of trade is increasing whether we like it or not. We must have policies that create conditions for Maryland consumers to receive fair prices from overseas, but that also help US companies receive fair and equitable market value when they sell their goods overseas.
What is your position on foreign policy and military issues?*
I’m a current Army officer. However, I don’t believe that $750 million+ annual budgets for Defense are money well spent. I feel that if we are using the US military to nation build it should begin here. Using the Army Corp of Engineers to rebuild our infrastructure and allowing the Navy and Coast Guard to control our ports and ensure we don’t have severe supply chain issues like we saw in California earlier this year. In addition, there must be a process to transition service members to civilian life that honors the American people’s investment to train and maintain our military and that benefits the service member when they hang up their uniform.
Would you support the passage of the Human Life Amendment?*
No
Would you support the passage of the Balanced Budget Amendment?*
Yes
Do you support D.C. Statehood?*
Yes
Do you support retrocession of the District of Columbia into Maryland?*
No
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election?*
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election?*
Yes