Sarah Elfreth
{{Short description|American politician (born 1988)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Sarah Elfreth
|image = Representative Sarah Elfreth Official Portrait.jpg
|caption = Official portrait, 2025
|alt = Official House portrait of Elfreth smiling in front of the U.S. flag, wearing a white and blue blazer jacket with gold buttons.
|state = Maryland
|district = {{ushr|MD|3|3rd}}
|term_start = January 3, 2025
|term_end =
|predecessor = John Sarbanes
|successor =
|state_senate1 = Maryland
|district1 = 30th
|term_start1 = January 9, 2019
|term_end1 = January 2, 2025
|predecessor1 = John Astle
|successor1 = Shaneka Henson
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|9|9}}
|birth_place = Barrington, New Jersey, U.S.
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = Democratic
|education = Towson University (BA)
Johns Hopkins University (MPP)
|signature = Sarah Elfreth signature.svg
|website = {{url|elfreth.house.gov|House website}}
|module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Sarah Elfreth on Earth Day and the Chesapeake Bay.ogg|title=Elfreth's voice|type=speech|description=Elfreth on Earth Day and the Chesapeake Bay.
Recorded April 22, 2025}}
}}
Sarah Kelly Elfreth{{cite web |title=2012 Commencement |url=https://commencement.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/program-commencement-2012.pdf |date=May 24, 2012 |publisher=Johns Hopkins University |access-date=October 27, 2023}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɛ|l|f|r|ə|θ}}, {{respell|ELF|rəth}}; born September 9, 1988) is an American politician who is serving as the U.S. representative for Maryland's 3rd congressional district since 2025. She previously served as a member of the Maryland Senate representing the 30th district from 2019 to 2025. Elfreth is a member of the Democratic Party.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Elfreth moved to Maryland to study political science at Towson University and later earn a MPP from Johns Hopkins University. She became involved with Maryland politics while attending Towson, during which she was appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley to be a student member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. After graduating, Elfreth moved to Annapolis, where she successfully ran for the Maryland Senate in 2018, defeating Republican challenger and former state delegate Ron George in the general election. She was reelected in 2022. Her district encompassed the lower half of Anne Arundel County, including the state capital of Annapolis.
Elfreth won the 22-way Democratic primary in the U.S. House of Representatives election in Maryland's 3rd congressional district and then defeated the Republican nominee in the general election. She was sworn in on January 3, 2025.
Early life and career
= Early life and education =
Elfreth was born and raised in Barrington, New Jersey,{{cite web |last=Arnold |first=Peter |url=https://www.jmoreliving.com/2019/12/09/state-sen-sarah-k-elfreth-discusses-environmental-issues-facing-state-legislature/ |title=State Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth Discusses Environmental Issues Facing State Legislature |work=Baltimore Jewish Living |date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=January 14, 2021}} where her stepfather worked as a locomotive engineer and her mother worked as a probation officer.{{cite magazine |last1=Kirkman |first1=Rebecca |title=Tiger of the Senate |url=https://www.towson.edu/magazine/spring-2020/tiger-senate.html |publisher=Towson University |magazine=TU Magazine |access-date=November 4, 2023 |language=en |date=Spring 2020}} Her grandfather served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and later suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder.{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jeff |title=Blue lawmakers from Maryland begin new year in red Congress, seeking 'common ground' despite challenges |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/01/03/blue-marylanders-begin-new-year-in-red-congress-seeking-common-ground-despite-challenges/ |access-date=January 3, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 3, 2025}} She is of English descent and is a descendant of Jeremiah Elfreth, who was the namesake of Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia.{{cite web |last1=Elfreth |first1=Sarah |title=Like so many Americans of European descent, mine is a family of immigrants. We came from England in 1692 and settled in Philadelphia in pursuit of religious freedom to practice Quaker beliefs. In 1706, a small alley off of Second Street was built to house tradesman and named for silversmith Jeremiah Elfreth. Preserved over the centuries, Elfreth's Alley is now the oldest continuously residential street in America. I'm incredibly proud of this history and the history of a nation that, at its best, welcomes immigrants and celebrates freedoms. God bless America. |url=https://www.facebook.com/SarahforMD/posts/pfbid02hi9J6hu6iTftffvqTsyoutvysWPrLLzEuDEUHy3Z1bVmtUBrP7aaAeYE1b5kZ5rJl |website=Facebook |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=July 13, 2019}}
Elfreth graduated from Haddon Heights High School in 2006, and attended Towson University on scholarship, where she served as a resident assistant,{{cite news |last1=Sternhagen |first1=Sarah |title=Sarah Elfreth becomes first ever Towson University Alum to be elected to U.S. Congress |url=https://thetowerlight.com/sarah-elfreth-becomes-first-ever-towson-university-alum-to-be-elected-to-u-s-congress/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |work=The Towerlight |date=December 2, 2024}} submitted a thesis on how having students participate in governing boards can make them more effective,{{cite thesis |last1=Elfreth |first1=Sarah K. |date=2011 |title=The Young Guardians: Students as Stewards of the Past, Present, and Future of American Higher Education : a Field Guide for Student Board Members |url=https://www.alaska.edu/bor/student-regent/step-1/The%20Young%20Guardians.pdf |degree=BA |publisher=University of Alaska |isbn=1-889143-16-2 |access-date=November 4, 2023}} and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2010.{{cite web |last1=Yousefi |first1=Sheariah |title=Alumni Feature: Sarah Elfreth |url=https://www.towson.edu/honors/documents/sarah-elfreth.pdf |website=Towson.edu |publisher=Towson University Honors College |access-date=March 26, 2019 |date=November 14, 2017}} In 2012, she earned her Master of Science degree in public policy from Johns Hopkins University, where she worked as a research assistant in the Office of Government and Community Affairs from 2010 to 2012.{{cite news |title=Candidate for state Senate: Sarah Elfreth |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/elections/ac-cn-candidates-elfreth-20180601-story.html |access-date=March 26, 2019 |work=The Capital |date=June 1, 2018}} Since 2019, Elfreth has taught as an adjunct professor for Towson University's Honors College.{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Lawmakers Push Bill to Expand Polling Place Access at Colleges, Military Bases |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/07/lawmakers-push-bill-to-expand-polling-place-access-at-colleges-military-bases/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 7, 2021}}
= Early political career =
Elfreth became active in politics while attending Towson University, when she became involved with student government and began traveling to Annapolis to lobby the Maryland General Assembly. She also worked as a summer intern for state senator James Rosapepe.{{cite web |title=Sarah Elfreth, Student Regent |url=http://www.usmd.edu/regents/members/s_elfreth.html |publisher=University System of Maryland |access-date=November 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115192612/http://www.usmd.edu/regents/members/s_elfreth.html |archive-date=November 15, 2009 |url-status=dead}} In 2009, Maryland governor Martin O'Malley appointed Elfreth to be the student member of the University System Board of Regents.{{cite press release |url=https://www.usmd.edu/newsroom/news/730 |title=USM Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Regents |publisher=University System of Maryland |date=June 29, 2009 |website=www.usmd.edu |access-date=March 12, 2019}} She didn't become involved with electoral politics until her senior year at Towson, after hearing a speech by former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin. She briefly served in the office of House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer before working as the Government Affairs Director at the National Aquarium of Baltimore. After moving to Annapolis, Elfreth became involved with local politics, becoming a member of the Ward 1 Residents Association and serving on the District 30 Democratic Club, and volunteering for the campaigns of multiple local Democratic officials.
Maryland Senate
In June 2017, Elfreth filed to run for Maryland Senate, seeking to succeed state Senator John Astle, who did not seek re-election to run for Mayor of Annapolis.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=The Kid Prepares for Her Close-up |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2017/06/28/the-kid-prepares-for-her-close-up/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 28, 2017}} During the Democratic primary, she ran on a slate with House Speaker Michael E. Busch, whom she would later cite as her political mentor.{{cite news |last1=Hutzell |first1=Rick |title=How a late House speaker's words still inspire Sarah Elfreth |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/sarah-elfreth-congress-rob-steinberger-SUB2LLD4EFFE3N3M52Y3ZQGJKQ/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=May 17, 2024 |language=en |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517150941/https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/sarah-elfreth-congress-rob-steinberger-SUB2LLD4EFFE3N3M52Y3ZQGJKQ/}} Elfreth was elected to the Maryland Senate with 53.8 percent of the vote against former state delegate Ron George.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=GOP's 'Drive for Five' Stalls |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/11/07/gops-drive-for-five-stalls/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 7, 2018}}
File:Keep Our Heroes Home Act (52720574185).jpg
Elfreth was sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019.{{cite web |title=Sarah K. Elfreth, U.S. Representative (Maryland) |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/39fed/06ushse/html/msa18047.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=January 3, 2025}} As of 2024, she is the youngest woman ever to serve in the Maryland Senate.{{cite news |last1=Hawkins |first1=Samantha |title=Dems Hail New Leaders 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/07/dems-hail-new-leaders-standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=A big wave of female lawmakers is about to land in Annapolis |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/a-big-wave-of-female-lawmakers-is-about-to-wash-up-in-annapolis/2018/12/21/4f47d104-f987-11e8-8c9a-860ce2a8148f_story.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 22, 2018}} Elfreth was a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee—including as the chair of its Pensions and Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment subcommittee and as a member of its Capital Budget subcommittee—and was the chair of the Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bay Critical Areas and Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation. She was regarded as one of the most productive members of the legislature, having passed 84 bills during her tenure, more than any other legislator during that time.
Elfreth served as an at-large delegate to the 2020{{cite web |title=Maryland Democratic Party - National Convention Delegates |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/40party/html/demc.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=March 20, 2024}} and 2024 Democratic National Conventions.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Meet the Maryland delegates to the Democratic National Convention |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/07/22/meet-the-maryland-delegates-to-the-democratic-national-convention/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=July 22, 2024}} As of May 2024, she had plans to campaign for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania during the 2024 presidential election.
In 2022, Elfreth served as the chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council.{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Annapolis state Sen. Sarah Elfreth elected as chair of Chesapeake Bay Commission |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2022/01/13/annapolis-state-sen-sarah-elfreth-elected-as-chair-of-chesapeake-bay-commission/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 13, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Chesapeake Bay leaders resolute even as cleanup targets become more elusive |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/10/12/chesapeake-bay-leaders-resolute-even-as-cleanup-targets-become-more-elusive/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 12, 2022}} In this position, Elfreth whipped votes from members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on legislation to commit some coronavirus relief funding to agricultural cleanup programs.{{cite news |last1=Condon |first1=Christine |title=Pennsylvania has made strides in Chesapeake Bay cleanup. But is that enough? |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/02/22/chesapeake-bay-cleanup-trump-epa/ |access-date=February 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 22, 2025}}
Elfreth resigned from the Maryland Senate on January 2, 2025. Her successor, state delegate Shaneka Henson, was nominated by the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee on January 4, 2025, and appointed to the seat by Governor Wes Moore a few days later.{{cite news |title=Delegate Shaneka Henson Selected to Fill Maryland Senate District 30 Vacancy |url=https://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2025/01/delegate-shaneka-henson-selected-to-fill-maryland-senate-district-30-vacancy/ |access-date=January 4, 2025 |work=Eye On Annapolis |date=January 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Elfreth's election to Congress creates showdown to replace her in Annapolis |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/11/11/elfreths-election-to-congress-creates-showdown-to-replace-her-in-annapolis/ |access-date=November 11, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 11, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Natalie |title=Shaneka Henson makes history as first Black woman to represent Anne Arundel in Maryland Senate |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2025/01/08/shaneka-henson-makes-history-as-first-black-woman-to-represent-anne-arundel-in-maryland-senate/ |access-date=February 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 8, 2025}} Elfreth remained neutral in the process to pick her successor.{{cite news |last1=Hutzell |first1=Rick |title=One word will decide Anne Arundel political picks: Electability |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/dana-jones-shaneka-henson-sarah-elfreth-NRN7HWY6J5FLRPDY2XN72ERBZA/ |access-date=January 3, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=January 3, 2025 |language=en}}
U.S. House of Representatives
=Elections=
==2024==
{{main|2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Maryland#District 3}}
On November 4, 2023, Elfreth announced that she would run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 3rd congressional district to succeed John Sarbanes, who had announced his retirement a week before.{{cite news |last1=Loock |first1=Megan |title=Maryland State Sen. Sarah Elfreth launches campaign for 3rd Congressional District seat |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ac-cn-sarah-elfreth-files-for-us-congress-20231104-tourorf57zdrndfnvyeo5budwm-story.html |newspaper=The Capital |date=November 4, 2023 |access-date=November 4, 2023}} During the Democratic primary, which developed into a three-way race between Elfreth, Clarence Lam, and Harry Dunn,{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Elfreth, Lam battle for fundraising supremacy in 3rd District race, but the landscape could change |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/02/02/elfreth-lam-battle-for-fundraising-supremacy-in-3rd-district-race-but-the-landscape-could-change/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 2, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |title=Political notes: Ferguson hits back at county executives, Elfreth poll has good news for Elfreth |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/03/08/political-notes-ferguson-hits-back-at-county-executives-elfreth-poll-has-good-news-for-elfreth/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 8, 2024}} Elfreth campaigned on environmental issues, abortion rights, and healthcare,{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |last2=Gaines |first2=Danielle E. |last3=Kurtz |first3=Josh |last4=Ford |first4=William J. |title=Political Notes: A new caucus in Annapolis, Bd. of Elections arrest fallout, an early FEC number, a carbon copy in Ocean City, and personnel news |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/01/17/political-notes-a-new-caucus-in-annapolis-bd-of-elections-arrest-fallout-an-early-fec-number-a-carbon-copy-in-ocean-city-and-personnel-news/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 17, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Political notes: Ad wars in CD-3, Alsobrooks and Trone amp up endorsements |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/03/26/political-notes-ad-wars-in-cd-3-alsobrooks-and-trone-amp-up-endorsements/ |access-date=March 26, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 26, 2024}} and received support from U.S. senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, and from several Anne Arundel County-based legislators.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland's 3rd Congressional District is open in 2024. Who is running? |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/with-congressman-sarbanes-retiring-who-might-run-for-his-seat-VPZ752ETIFDSPKCU5EV7VXAG4U/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 27, 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Hutzell |first1=Rick |title=Congress is a train wreck. These Marylanders want the job anyway |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/sarah-elfreth-calvin-ball-vanesssa-atterbeary-congress-3rd-district-john-sarbanes-LECZQH7RTNDEJLSVTWNPBCRP6U/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 7, 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Engel |first1=Amanda |title=State Senator Sarah Elfreth to launch campaign for MD-3 |url=https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/america-votes/state-senator-sarah-elfreth-to-launch-campaign-for-md-3 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=WMAR-TV |date=November 2, 2023 |language=en}}
Elfreth was the only candidate in the race who expressed openness to accepting campaign contributions from corporate political action committees, saying that she would accept donations from corporations within the district,{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Political donations, Gaza cease-fire highlight 3rd Congressional District forum in Annapolis |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2024/04/18/3rd-congressional-district-forum/ |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work=The Capital |date=April 18, 2024}} and received more than $4 million{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=One candidate, two campaigns |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/05/10/one-candidate-two-campaigns/ |access-date=May 10, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 10, 2024}} in support from AIPAC's United Democracy Project super PAC.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Elfreth foes cry foul as AIPAC money seeps into 3rd District congressional race |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/04/04/elfreth-foes-cry-foul-as-aipac-money-seeps-into-3rd-district-congressional-race/ |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 4, 2024}} Elfreth defended her campaign receiving support from AIPAC by saying she did not solicit the support and that she would support campaign finance reform if elected to Congress, referencing Sarbanes's For the People Act.{{cite news |last1=Wintrode |first1=Brenda |title=Race offers Anne Arundel, Howard voters a contrast in political styles |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/3rd-congressional-dunn-elfreth-lam-GC6PEQ3XRRCD7IAJ2BCQGOJ6DE/ |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=May 8, 2024 |language=en}} AIPAC's contributions, as well as the $1 million in contributions she received from supporters, allowed her campaign to overcome the fundraising gap between her and Dunn, who had raised $4 million during his campaign.
Elfreth won the Democratic primary election on May 14, 2024,{{cite news |last1=Fernandez |first1=Madison |last2=Shepard |first2=Steven |title=AIPAC-backed Sarah Elfreth wins primary for open Maryland congressional seat |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/14/aipac-backed-sarah-elfreth-wins-primary-for-open-maryland-congressional-seat-00158060 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=Politico |date=May 14, 2024}} and defeated Republican nominee Rob Steinberger in the general election on November 5, 2024. She is the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Bansil |first1=Sapna |title=Congressional races: Elfreth wins opens seat, incumbents reelected |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/elfreth-mcclain-delaney-congress-44GMCERBMFCEHIOW65JD775JQY/ |access-date=November 6, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 5, 2024 |language=en}} She and April McClain Delaney are the first women to represent Maryland in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2016, when Donna Edwards retired to unsuccessfully run for the U.S. Senate.{{cite news |last1=Bansil |first1=Sapna |title=McClain Delaney declares victory in Western Maryland House race |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/maryland-house-mcclain-delaney-defeats-parrott-IN6A3N5PUNHAPJBP5VQAK7DX5M/ |access-date=November 8, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 8, 2024 |language=en}}
=Tenure=
Elfreth was sworn in on January 3, 2025. Before the start of the 119th Congress, Elfreth unsuccessfully ran for freshman class representative for the Democratic Caucus, placing second in a three way race that included California freshman U.S. Representative-elect Luz Rivas and Washington freshman U.S. Representative-elect Emily Randall.{{cite news |last1=Diaz |first1=Daniella |last2=Tully-McManus |first2=Katherine |last3=Wu |first3=Nicholas |title=The Gaetz fight heads to the House floor |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/inside-congress/2024/11/20/matt-gaetz-house-ethics-floor-00190771 |access-date=November 20, 2024 |work=Politico |date=November 20, 2024}}
= Committee assignments =
= Caucus memberships =
- Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues{{Cite web |title=The Women's Caucus |url=https://www.wcpinst.org/our-work/the-womens-caucus/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Women's Congressional Policy Institute |language=en-US}}
- New Democrat Coalition{{Cite web |title=Leadership {{!}} New Democrat Coalition |url=https://newdemocratcoalition.house.gov/members#Maryland |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=newdemocratcoalition.house.gov |language=en}}
Political positions
=Crime and policing=
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth voted for the Maryland Police Accountability Act and supported an unsuccessful Republican amendment to the bill that would require law enforcement agencies to keep a record of positive community feedback.{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jeff |title=Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn rebuked by Maryland Senate president over 'misleading' campaign ad |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/05/03/capitol-police-harry-dunn-rebuked-maryland-misleading/ |access-date=May 3, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 3, 2024}}
During debate on a bill to give the attorney general of Maryland prosecutorial power in police-involved deaths in 2023, Elfreth voted for amendments that would allow states attorneys' to decide first whether to prosecute a case, and another to appoint a director of the investigations division. Both amendments were rejected in largely party-line votes.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Senate moves forward with bill that would allow attorney general to prosecute police-involved deaths |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/07/senate-moves-forward-with-bill-that-would-allow-attorney-general-to-prosecute-police-involved-deaths/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 7, 2023}}
In June 2023, following a shooting in Annapolis that left three dead and another three injured, Elfreth attended a vigil to honor the victims of the attack and endorsed calls for accountability from state legislators.{{cite news |last1=Janesch |first1=Sam |title=Annapolis remembers three fathers killed in shooting with Father's Day vigil: 'What happened here wasn't just' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis/bs-md-annapolis-shooting-vigil-20230618-jdvhvczhbje2vlrd3xopoqzqea-story.html |access-date=October 27, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 18, 2023}}
=Education=
During her tenure as the student member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, Elfreth voted against a three percent tuition increase{{cite news |last1=Goll |first1=Eugene W. |title=University regents OK higher fees |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-democrat-university-regents-ok/154286213/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |work=The Star Democrat |date=May 11, 2010 |via=Newspapers.com}} and spoke in support of Governor Martin O'Malley's four-year tuition freeze.{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Childs |title=O'Malley to use tuition freeze as issue in re-election effort |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-omalley-hopes-voters/154286234/ |access-date=November 17, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 7, 2010 |language=en |via=Newspapers.com}} She also played a role in gathering opposition to a resolution recommending against a policy on pornographic films following the screening of Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge at the University of Maryland, College Park, convincing other board members that there was no way to create such a policy without infringing on freedom of speech.{{cite news |last1=Koinange |first1=Karuga |title=Student to senator |url=https://thetowerlight.com/student-to-senator/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |work=The Towerlight |date=March 4, 2019}}
During the 2019 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to expand the Board of Regents' membership and implement additional oversight reforms.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle |title=Regents' Chairwoman Backs Reform Legislation for Embattled Board |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/02/20/regents-chairwoman-backs-reform-legislation-for-embattled-board/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 20, 2019}} The bill passed both chambers unanimously{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |last2=Gaines |first2=Danielle |title=Legislative Roundup: Prescription Drugs, Regents, Kirwan and More |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/04/05/legislative-roundup-prescription-drugs-regents-kirwan-and-more/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 5, 2019}} and was signed into law by Governor Hogan on April 30, 2019.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0719 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0719?ys=2019RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}}
During her 2024 congressional campaign, Elfreth campaigned for school board candidates running against candidates endorsed by Moms for Liberty, saying that she viewed the "threat Moms for Liberty poses to our boards of education as one of the greatest threats to democracy." In October 2024, after The Baltimore Banner reported that Anne Arundel County school board candidate Chuck Yocum had a history of child sexual abuse charges stemming from his teaching job at Northeast High School, Elfreth called for Yocum to drop out of the school board race.{{cite news |last1=Segelbaum |first1=Dylan |last2=Bowie |first2=Liz |title=Anne Arundel Democrats call for Chuck Yocum to drop out of school board race |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/anne-arundel-county-school-board-chuck-yocum-XIDFMDLH2BAD5D7MU64OVWZCMY/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 9, 2024 |language=en}} Yocum was narrowly defeated by Erica McFarland in the general election on November 5, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Hudacek |first1=Adam |title=Maryland conservatives make gains in school board races |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2024/11/08/md-conservatives-make-gains-in-school-board-races/ |access-date=November 12, 2024 |work=Capital News Service |date=November 8, 2024}}
In March 2025, was one of 31 Democrats to vote for the DETERRENT Act, which lowers the foreign reporting thresholds for colleges and prohibit universities from working with "countries of concern" without annual approval from the U.S. Secretary of Education.{{cite news |last1=Rod |first1=Marc |title=House overwhelmingly blocks anti-Israel Tlaib amendments to university funding bill |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2025/03/house-overwhelmingly-blocks-anti-israel-tlaib-amendments-to-university-funding-bill/ |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Jewish Insider |date=March 28, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Spitalniak |first1=Laura |title=House passes bill to lower foreign reporting threshold to $50K {{!}} Higher Ed Dive |url=https://www.highereddive.com/news/house-passes-bill-to-lower-foreign-reporting-threshold-to-50k/743794/ |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Higher Ed Dive |date=March 28, 2025}}
=Electoral and ethics reform=
While a student at Towson University, Elfreth testified in support of a bill to increase polling places at college campuses and make it easier for college students to register to vote.{{cite news |last1=Gyapong |first1=Olivia |title=House Hopeful Elfreth Shuns 'Shiny Object' Approach to Politics |url=https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/house-hopeful-elfreth-shuns-shiny-object-approach-to-politics |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=Bloomberg Government |date=August 9, 2024}}
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to create an "Office of Digital Inclusion" in the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Disconnected: More Than a Half-Million Md. Homes Lack Reliable Broadband |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/19/disconnected-more-than-a-half-million-maryland-homes-lack-reliable-broadband/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 19, 2021}} The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Hogan on April 13, 2021.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0066 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0066?ys=2021RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}} She also introduced legislation that would require the state's Commission on Environmental Justice and sustainable Communities to "reflect the racial, gender, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the state".{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lawmakers Considering How to Remake State's Environmental Justice Commission |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/18/lawmakers-considering-how-to-remake-states-environmental-justice-commission/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 18, 2021}} The bill passed{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=In Environmental Justice Push, Lawmakers Look to Decrease Harmful Toxins and Reform Government Responses |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/25/in-environmental-justice-push-lawmakers-look-to-decrease-harmful-toxins-and-reform-government-responses/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 25, 2021}} and became law on May 30, 2021.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0674 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0674?ys=2021rs |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}}
Also in 2021, Elfreth introduced the "Student and Military Voter Empowerment Act", which would require higher education institutions to create websites to provide students with voting information and allow military members to register to vote using their Department of Defense Common Access Card. The bill passed{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=As Other States Move to Restrict Voting, the Maryland General Assembly Passed Bills to Expand Access |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/23/as-other-states-move-to-restrict-voting-the-maryland-general-assembly-passed-bills-to-expand-access/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 23, 2021}} and became law without Governor Larry Hogan's signature on May 30, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Election Reforms Will Make Voting More Accessible In Maryland, Advocates Say |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/06/16/election-reforms-will-make-voting-more-accessible-in-maryland-advocates-say/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 16, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Legislation - HB0156 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0156?ys=2021RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}}
During debate on a bill that would allow the Maryland State Board of Elections to tabulate mail-in ballots before election day in 2022, Elfreth was one of two Democratic state senators to vote for a Republican amendment that would have limited people to picking up and delivering only 10 ballots for other voters.{{cite news |first1=Brenda |last1=Wintrode |first2=Pamela |last2=Wood |title=Race for Maryland House seat turns negative with new ad |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/maryland-congress-seat-negative-ad-Z4VIZSSQHFF6RHCPBGBKKXJULI/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=May 1, 2024 |language=en}}
=Environment=
File:Chesapeake Executive Council (52421476696).jpg, 2022]]
During the 2020 legislative session, Elfreth proposed legislation to allow jurisdictions to create Resilience Authorities to provide funding to large infrastructure projects related to sea level rise, nuisance flooding, and erosion.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Women Lawmakers Take Aim at Climate Change |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/28/women-lawmakers-take-aim-at-climate-change/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 28, 2020}} She also co-sponsored legislation to expand the public's role in rehabilitation projects in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge resurfacing project.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Bay Bridge Advisory Panel Likely to Add Citizen Members |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/18/bay-bridge-advisory-panel-likely-to-add-citizen-members/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 18, 2020}}
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth introduced various environmental bills, including bills that would require Maryland to switch to safer alternatives in firefighting foam and ban PFAS chemicals in food packaging, and expand the state's clean energy loan program to include water efficiency projects, environmental remediation projects, and climate resilience projects.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Senators Consider Sweeping Climate Bill — And More Modest Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/28/senators-consider-sweeping-climate-bill-and-more-modest-measures/ |date=January 28, 2021}}
During the 2022 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation that would require the Maryland State Retirement and Pensions System to consider climate change as a financial factor when making investment decisions.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Here Are Three Smaller Climate Bills That Could Have a Big Impact |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/09/here-are-three-smaller-climate-bills-that-could-have-a-big-impact/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 9, 2022}} The bill passed and became law on April 9, 2022.{{cite news |last1=Dance |first1=Scott |title=Maryland set to 'transform' its state park system amid record usage, making massive investment in rangers, new sites |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-state-park-investment-20220422-kh3nay2op5bn5pgn6e3otkn36m-story.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Legislation - HB0740 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/Hb0740?ys=2022RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}}
In 2023, Elfreth introduced a bill to establish a State Disaster Recovery Fund to help jurisdictions recover from natural disasters. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=A nice day at MACo — time to think about disasters |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/18/a-nice-day-at-maco-time-to-think-about-disasters/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 18, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Ritzel |first1=Rebecca |title=Gov. Wes Moore signs bill creating state disaster recovery fund sponsored by Annapolis legislators |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis/ac-cn-state-emergency-bill-tornado-20230509-xo5wwxnhlzca5bv7krrmhsbaju-story.html |access-date=October 27, 2023 |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 9, 2023}}
During the 2024 legislative session, Elfreth was one of three senators to vote against a bill to ease restrictions around backup generators for data centers in Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Green group's latest legislative scorecard outlines the good, the bad and the ugly |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/10/07/green-groups-latest-legislative-scorecard-outlines-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 8, 2024}}
=Foreign policy=
==Israel==
Elfreth supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and strengthening Israel–United States relations. She opposes conditioning U.S. aid to Israel, saying that she believed that "all nations have a responsibility in supporting humanitarian aid to the region as the only way to begin the very long road towards a peaceful two-state solution". During her 2024 congressional campaign, she supported a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza war conditioned on the return of Hamas-held hostages and the provision of additional humanitarian aid, but criticized "unbalanced and nuanced" state and local resolutions calling for a ceasefire. She also expressed concerns with some of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public statements during the war, but said that conversations on Israel's leadership and governance should be handled in private between it and the United States.{{cite news |last1=Rod |first1=Marc |title=Harry Dunn is pushing back hard against AIPAC's super PAC. But the pro-Israel PAC says it's not concerned about his candidacy |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2024/04/harry-dunn-aipac-super-pac-united-democracy-project/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |work=Jewish Insider |date=April 3, 2024}}
Elfreth traveled to Israel for the first time in July 2023, visiting locations including an Iron Dome battery, the West Bank, religious sites, and a Hezbollah tunnel on the Lebanese border. She met with a Palestinian National Authority official during her visit, after which she expressed concerns with "some verbiage" used by the official and an evasive answer about the authority's failure to hold elections in the region.
Elfreth supported an amendment introduced by U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen that would condition U.S. foreign aid on a country's compliance with international law, though a spokesperson clarified her belief "that Israel is acting in accordance with these laws"{{cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Emily |title=Top MD-03 congressional candidates suggest support for Van Hollen's efforts against Israel |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2024/04/maryland-sarah-elfreth-harry-dunn-israel-aid-chris-van-hollen/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |work=Jewish Insider |date=April 19, 2024}} and later reiterated that she would only support requiring countries to comply with existing conditions as opposed to establishing new conditions.{{cite news |last1=Rod |first1=Marc |title=Capitol cop Harry Dunn, UDP-backed Sarah Elfreth neck-and-neck ahead of primary |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2024/05/harry-dunn-sarah-elfreth-maryland-3rd-congressional-district-democratic-primary/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=Jewish Insider |date=May 13, 2024}}
In January 2025, Elfreth voted against a bill to place sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Following the vote, she signed onto a letter to the president of the ICC calling on the court to rescind its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.{{cite news |last1=Rod |first1=Marc |title=House passes bipartisan ICC sanctions for a second time |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2025/01/house-of-representatives-international-criminal-court-sanctions-israel/ |access-date=January 9, 2025 |work=Jewish Insider |date=January 9, 2025}}
==Ukraine==
In February 2025, Elfreth condemned comments made by President Donald Trump blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion and calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator, but said that she agreed with the president's calls for members of NATO to invest more into the security of Europe.{{cite news |last1=Balachandar |first1=Daranee |last2=McNamara |first2=Colin |title=Maryland Democrats appalled by Trump's Ukraine stance |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2025/02/20/maryland-democrats-appalled-by-trumps-ukraine-stance/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=Capital News Service |date=February 20, 2025}}
=Gun policy=
In June 2023, Elfreth spoke in support of the Gun Safety Act, which increased the requirements and fees to obtain handgun permits and limited where gun owners could carry their weapons.{{cite news |last1=Foreback |first1=Caroline |title=Anne Arundel County officials discuss gun violence reduction strategies - CBS Baltimore |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/anne-arundel-county-officials-gather-to-discuss-gun-violence-reduction-strategies/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=WJZ-TV |date=June 21, 2023}} During the 2024 legislative session, Elfreth introduced a bill to levy an eleven percent excise tax on firearm sales to fund the state's trauma system.{{cite news |last1=Bush |first1=Matt |title=Gun & ammunition tax passes Maryland Senate ahead of Crossover Day |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2024-03-19/gun-ammunition-tax-passes-maryland-senate-ahead-of-crossover-day |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=WYPR |date=March 19, 2024 |language=en}}
=Healthcare=
In June 2024, Elfreth signed onto a Maryland Healthcare for All pledge to support legislation to extend Inflation Reduction Act-provided healthcare benefits beyond 2025.{{cite news |last1=Maucione |first1=Scott |title=Advocacy group calls on Maryland candidates to protect health subsidies |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2024-06-04/advocacy-group-calls-on-maryland-candidates-to-protect-health-subsidies |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=WYPR |date=June 4, 2024 |language=en}}
=National politics=
Elfreth condemned the January 6 United States Capitol attack, saying that those who participated in the attack should be referred to as terrorists.{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |last2=Mongilio |first2=Heather |last3=Sanchez |first3=Olivia |last4=Felice |first4=Selene San |title=From Washington to Annapolis, dismay, anger and disbelief follow insurrection on Capitol Hill |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/01/06/from-washington-to-annapolis-dismay-anger-and-disbelief-follow-insurrection-on-capitol-hill/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 6, 2021}}
Elfreth opposed the Trump administration's efforts to fire and reclassify thousands of federal workers at various agencies, saying that there was "no check and balance" on the Department of Government Efficiency and criticized its director, Elon Musk, for having "billions of dollars in self interest with contracts with this federal government and foreign governments".{{cite news |last1=Hofstaedter |first1=Emily |title="There's no check and balance from Mr. Musk" — DOGE condemned by Maryland lawmakers at SSA rally |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2025-02-10/theres-no-check-and-balance-from-mr-musk-doge-condemned-by-maryland-lawmakers-at-ssa-rally |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=WYPR |date=February 10, 2025 |language=en}} In March 2025, she introduced the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act, which would allow probationary workers fired by the Trump administration to reclaim the seniority they amassed in their previous position if later rehired by the federal government.{{cite news |last1=Fuchs |first1=Hailey |title=Republicans join bill to protect workers after DOGE firings |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/11/congress/republicans-join-bill-to-lesson-doges-blow-00223021 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=Politico |date=March 11, 2025 |language=en}}
=Paid family leave=
During the 2020 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to provide Maryland workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family leave, funded by a payroll tax shared equally by the worker and employer.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Lawmakers Unveil Plan to Reintroduce Paid Family Leave Legislation |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/29/lawmakers-unveil-plan-to-reintroduce-paid-family-leave-legislation/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 29, 2022}}
=Social issues=
Elfreth supports abortion rights, describing access to abortion services as a matter of economics.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Lawmakers Applaud Expanded Planned Parenthood Clinic in Annapolis |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/15/lawmakers-applaud-grand-opening-of-planned-parenthood-in-annapolis/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 15, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle |last2=Shwe |first2=Elizabeth |title=After Leak of Draft SCOTUS Opinion on Abortion Rights, Maryland Lawmakers and Candidates Pledge Action |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/05/03/after-leak-of-draft-scotus-opinion-on-abortion-rights-maryland-lawmakers-and-candidates-pledge-action/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 3, 2022}} During the 2024 legislative session, she introduced a bill to provide abortion clinics in Maryland with $500,000 in grants toward physical security infrastructure.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Danielle J. |title=Senators push bills providing state funds to boost security at abortion clinics |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/03/07/senators-push-bills-providing-state-funds-to-boost-security-at-abortion-clinics/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 7, 2024}}
During the 2019 legislative session, Elfreth introduced a resolution to designate June 28 as "Freedom of the Press Day" in honor of the five killed at the Capital Gazette shooting.{{cite news |title=Maryland Senator Wants to Honor 5 Killed at Newspaper Office |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/maryland-senator-wants-to-honor-5-killed-at-newspaper-office/2795/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=NBC Washington |agency=Associated Press |date=February 3, 2019}} The bill passed unanimously{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Maryland General Assembly votes to name June 28 'Freedom of the Press Day' in honor of victims of Capital Gazette shooting |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-freedom-of-the-press-20190327-story.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 28, 2019}} and became law on April 18, 2019.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SJ0002 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SJ0002?ys=2019RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}} In June 2019, Governor Hogan signed a proclamation declaring June 28 to be "Freedom of the Press Day" in Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Fulginiti |first1=Jenny |title=June 28 named Freedom of the Press Day in Maryland |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/june-28-named-freedom-of-the-press-day-in-maryland/28210455 |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=WBAL-TV |date=June 27, 2019}}
During the 2021 legislative session, Elfreth introduced legislation to provide students access to menstrual products in school bathrooms.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Annapolis state senator pushes for free menstrual products in public schools statewide |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-menstrual-products-elfreth-20210211-20210212-5uylgup3qzab7nfkkyspc2n25q-story.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 12, 2021}} The bill passed and became law on May 30, 2021.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0427 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0427?ys=2021rs |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 12, 2022}}
During the 2022 legislative session, Elfreth introduced the "Great Maryland Outdoors Act", which would increase staffing, expand recreational amenities, and improve equity of access for Maryland state parks.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title='Great Maryland Outdoors Act' Aims to Bolster State Park System as Demand Grows |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/01/24/great-maryland-outdoors-act-aims-to-bolster-state-park-system-as-demand-grows/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 24, 2022}} The bill passed and became law on April 24, 2022.{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Acacia |title=Great Maryland Outdoors Act to invest millions into state park budget |url=https://wtop.com/maryland/2022/04/state-parks-in-maryland-set-to-receive-millions-in-investments/ |access-date=June 12, 2022 |work=WTOP-FM |date=April 24, 2022}} She also introduced the "David Perez Military Heroes Act", which provides state funding for psychedelic research to help military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, which passed and became law.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Meet the state lawmakers running for Congress: Sen. Sarah Elfreth |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/03/22/meet-the-state-lawmakers-running-for-congress-sen-sarah-elfreth/ |access-date=March 22, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 22, 2024}}
In October 2022, after The Baltimore Banner published a report accusing Gunpowder Falls State Park manager Michael Browning of presiding over a toxic work environment that senior park service officials had failed to address despite receiving multiple employee complaints since 2015,{{cite news |last1=Scharper |first1=Julie |title=How a man accused of rape ran a state park without scrutiny |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/baltimore-county/michael-browning-gunpowder-falls-rape-charge-park-manager-SP4Z5DOIWNE5RPQQ62P3YDJOXI/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 25, 2022 |language=en}} Elfreth and House majority leader Eric Luedtke wrote to Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio calling for an independent review into the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' handling of employee reports.{{cite news |last1=Scharper |first1=Julie |title=Maryland lawmakers call for independent review of misconduct at Gunpowder Falls State Park |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/maryland/maryland-lawmakers-call-for-independent-review-of-misconduct-at-gunpowder-falls-state-park-SFO3MD5JQZE3LP3QMY3ONZKS7M/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 26, 2022 |language=en}} Haddaway-Riccio did not address legislators' call for an independent investigation in her response letter, instead saying that the department's human resources division was investigating the misconduct allegations "in consultation with the Maryland Department of Budget and Management and the Office of the Attorney General" and that she had taken "appropriate actions to address the situation"{{cite news |last1=Scharper |first1=Julie |title=Maryland natural resources secretary: 'Appropriate actions' taken to address alleged misconduct at Gunpowder Falls State Park |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/baltimore-county/maryland-natural-resources-secretary-appropriate-actions-have-been-taken-to-address-alleged-misconduct-at-gunpowder-falls-state-park-4QFUUA7BVBDULBKYQF7YP53HNI/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 3, 2022 |language=en}} by firing assistant Gunpowder park manager Dean Hughes{{cite news |last1=Scharper |first1=Julie |title=Controversial assistant manager at Gunpowder Falls State Park is 'no longer employed with DNR' |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/baltimore-county/controversial-assistant-manager-at-gunpowder-falls-state-park-is-no-longer-employed-with-dnr-QAMWGETSMVEKBP4CVULEHBAX3E/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 12, 2022 |language=en}} and state park superintendent Nita Settina.{{cite news |last1=Scharper |first1=Julie |title=Maryland state park superintendent fired amid turmoil, toxic culture at Gunpowder Falls |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/superintendent-of-maryland-state-park-system-fired-amid-turmoil-toxic-culture-at-gunpowder-falls-7JRKFAFCHREOLP7LT3QE5SB7VA/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 18, 2022 |language=en}}
=Transportation=
In March 2023, Elfreth was one of five Democrats to vote for an amendment to decouple the state's gas tax from inflation. The amendment was rejected by the Maryland Senate in a 20-27 vote.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Republicans seek gas tax consistency, Democrats warn of a reckoning |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/20/republicans-seek-gas-tax-consistency-democrats-warn-of-a-reckoning/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 21, 2023}}
During her 2024 congressional campaign, Elfreth said she supported rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Electoral history
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 30 Democratic primary election, 2018{{cite web
| title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01530.html
| date = July 31, 2018}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Sarah K. Elfreth
|votes = 6,482
|percentage = 58.77%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Chrissy Holt
|votes = 4,547
|percentage = 41.23%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin
| title = Maryland Senate District 30 election, 2018{{cite web
| title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01530.html
| date = December 11, 2018}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Sarah K. Elfreth
|votes = 29,736
|percentage = 53.83%
|change = +2.55%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Ron George
|votes = 24,639
|percentage = 44.60%
|change = -3.99%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate = Christopher Wallace, Sr.
|votes = 826
|percentage = 1.50%
|change = N/A
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link
|votes = 38
|percentage = 0.12%
|change = -0.05%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin
| title = Maryland Senate District 30 election, 2022{{cite web
| title = Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_6_30.html
| date = December 7, 2022}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Sarah K. Elfreth (incumbent)
|votes = 30,359
|percentage = 57.39%
|change = +3.56%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Stacie MacDonald
|votes = 22,489
|percentage = 42.51%
|change = -2.09%
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link
|votes = 49
|percentage = 0.09%
|change = +0.04%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change|title=Maryland's 3rd congressional district Democratic primary results, 2024{{cite web |title=Official 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Representative in Congress |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/Primary_Results/gen_results_2024_3_3.html |work=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=June 15, 2024 |date=June 13, 2024}}}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=Sarah Elfreth|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=29,459|percentage=36.18%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Harry Dunn|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=20,380|percentage=25.03%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Clarence Lam|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=9,548|percentage=11.73%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Terri Hill|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=5,318|percentage=6.53%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Mark Chang|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=4,106|percentage=5.04%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Aisha Khan|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=2,199|percentage=2.70%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Mike Rogers|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=2,147|percentage=2.64%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=John Morse|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,447|percentage=1.78%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Abigail Diehl|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,379|percentage=1.69%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lindsay Donahue|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,213|percentage=1.49%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Juan Dominguez|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,205|percentage=1.26%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Michael Coburn (withdrawn)|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=583|percentage=0.72%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Malcolm Thomas Colombo|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=527|percentage=0.65%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Don Quinn|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=408|percentage=0.50%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Kristin Lyman Nabors|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=397|percentage=0.49%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Jeff Woodard|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=352|percentage=0.43%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Gary Schuman|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=286|percentage=0.35%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Mark Gosnell|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=221|percentage=0.27%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Jake Pretot|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=162|percentage=0.20%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Matt Libber|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=159|percentage=0.20%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Stewart Silver|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=78|percentage=0.10%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Danny Rupli|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=34|percentage=0.04%}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin | title=Maryland's 3rd congressional district election, 2024{{cite web |title=Unofficial 2024 Presidential General Election Results for Representative in Congress |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/general_Results/gen_results_2024_3_3.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=November 26, 2024}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Sarah Elfreth
| votes = 236,681
| percentage = 59.29%
| change = -0.90%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Steinberger
| votes = 151,186
| percentage = 37.87%
| change = -1.84%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| party = Libertarian Party (United States)
| candidate = Miguel Barajas
| votes = 10,471
| percentage = 2.62%
| change = N/A
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link
| votes = 862
| percentage = 0.22%
| change = +0.12%
}}
{{Election box total
| votes = 399,200
| percentage = 100.00%
}}
{{Election box end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{C-SPAN|142484}}
{{CongLinks|votesmart=178463|fec=H4MD03156}}
- {{cite web |title=Sarah Elfreth for Senate District 30 |url=https://sarahelfreth.com/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027040107/https://sarahelfreth.com/ |archive-date=October 27, 2023}}
- {{cite web |title=Members - Senator Sarah K. Elfreth |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/elfreth01 |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=October 27, 2023}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-par|us-md-sen}}
{{s-bef|before=John Astle}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 30th district|years=2019–2025}}
{{s-aft|after=Shaneka Henson}}
|-
{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{s-bef|before=John Sarbanes}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Maryland's 3rd congressional district|years=2025–present}}
{{s-inc}}
|-
{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=Troy Downing}}
{{s-ttl|title=United States representatives by seniority|years=384th}}
{{s-aft|after=Gabe Evans}}
{{s-end}}
{{MD-FedRep}}
{{USHouseCurrent}}
{{USCongRep-start |congresses=119th-present United States Congresses |state=Maryland}}
{{USCongRep/MD/119}}
{{USCongRep-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Elfreth, Sarah K.}}
Category:21st-century American women politicians
Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly
Category:21st-century members of the United States House of Representatives
Category:American people of English descent
Category:Democratic Party Maryland state senators
Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Maryland
Category:Female members of the United States House of Representatives
Category:Haddon Heights Junior/Senior High School alumni
Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni
Category:People from Barrington, New Jersey
Category:Politicians from Camden County, New Jersey
Category:Towson University alumni
Category:Towson University faculty
Category:United States congressional aides
Category:University System of Maryland people