Clarence Lam Launches Campaign To Represent Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District

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The following information is from a press release from State Senator Clarence Lam on November 20, 2023:

Today, State Senator Clarence Lam declared his candidacy for the United States Congress, setting the stage for a campaign focused on the urgent need for elected officials with an unwavering passion for public service, promoting progressive values, and solving problems for Maryland families. Dr. Lam, an experienced and respected healthcare professional and legislator, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment for the well-being of Marylanders to the national stage.

Throughout his nearly decade of service as an elected official in Annapolis, Dr. Clarence Lam has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service, consistently prioritizing the needs of his constituents. His background as a physician specializing in preventive medicine has uniquely positioned him to address critical issues facing the nation, particularly in the realm of healthcare.

In announcing his candidacy, Dr. Lam emphasized his unique background as a legislator and full-time doctor, “Now, more than ever, our country needs elected officials who are rooted in a history of service and driven by a genuine passion for improving the lives of those they represent. As a healthcare professional who both treats patients and seeks to prevent illness and as a State Senator with a strong record of trying to address some of Maryland’s intractable problems like public welfare, equity, and justice, I believe this commitment is crucial in addressing the challenges that our nation faces.”

“Clarence has been a champion for expanding access to reproductive healthcare.  I’ve known him for over a decade and have been impressed that he’s sponsored numerous bills that allowed more people to get covered by Medicaid, gave women greater access to abortion care, and made it easier to obtain contraceptives,” said Wendy Royalty, MSW, former Vice President of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood of Maryland.  “Clarence has consistently been a strong advocate for women‘s health and abortion care.”

Dr. Lam’s commitment to public health includes addressing our environmental and climate crises.  “Senator Lam is a tremendous advocate for an environment that will support the health of all Marylanders,” said Mitch Jones, a long-time environmental activist.  “His record of legislation aimed at cleaning up runoff into the Chesapeake Bay, improving air quality around factory farms along the shore, eliminating the use of cancer-causing pesticides, and supporting reductions in greenhouse gasses all demonstrate his unwavering commitment to fighting deep-pocketed industry lobbyists in order to protect our environment—not just when it’s easy or convenient, but all of the time.”

Throughout his tenure in the State Senate, Dr. Lam has championed initiatives to enhance public health including sponsoring the Maryland Healthy Babies Equity Act and the Insulin Cost Reduction Act, which capped the price of insulin at $1 per day; fighting to ban fracking and dangerous pesticides; and as the Senate Chair of the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, leading the legislature’s oversight efforts to tamp down on waste, fraud, and abuse in state government.

“Senator Lam and I were elected to the General Assembly together nine years ago.  During that time, I’ve seen him consistently hold our state agencies accountable by asking the tough questions,” said retired Delegate Ned Carey (District 31A – Anne Arundel).  “As we’ve toured parts of North County first hand, I also know that—like Congressman Sarbanes—he’s committed to making sure constituent services remain a top priority for our district.”

Delegate Gary Simmons (District 12B – Anne Arundel) agrees: “Clarence and I have a great partnership serving the residents of North County, and he’s always there for you. I’ve seen him work incredibly hard for our constituents while in the Senate, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him to be our next Congressman.”

Dr. Lam’s campaign will focus on critical issues facing residents of Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District — healthcare access, education, environmental stewardship,

social justice, economic development, and of course, as a doctor, he has a special commitment to protecting women’s reproductive freedom. He aims to bridge divisions and work collaboratively to find practical solutions that benefit all Americans.

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About Senator Lam:

State Senator Clarence Lam has been a proud member of the Maryland General Assembly since 2015. When not in Annapolis, Clarence is a physician at

the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a husband, father, foster-fail dog parent, and a dedicated community activist.

As the first Asian American to serve as a Chair or Vice Chair of a Senate committee, Clarence believes that our diversity is our strength, that good listening is the cornerstone of progress, and that elected officials must do everything in their power to make life better for those they serve.