Although our national crime rate has fallen in half since the 1990s, property crime and homicide rates have spiked in Maryland since the start of the pandemic. To reduce crime over the long-term we must coordinate efforts across the entire criminal justice system and address the root causes of crime in our communities. We must approach public safety with common sense, scientifically proven measures that will actually solve the problems plaguing our great state. We need to keep our brave first responders on the police force safe by investing more in public safety training, body worn cameras, and mobile crisis response teams.

In the last four years, I have voted for more funding for warrant apprehension, crime prevention initiatives, and victim services, as well as a generational police reform package to expand transparency and accountability.

We must also continue to increase our efforts to reduce gun violence. Over the past four years I have voted for universal background checks, a ban on unserialized weapons or “ghost guns,” and expansions to mental healthcare access. The best way to protect the Second Amendment is to work together to make Maryland safer for responsible, law-abiding gun owners as well as those who choose not to own guns. I'm proud to say I have received the Gun Sense Candidate Distinction.