In Maryland’s solidly Democratic 4th Congressional District, anchored in Prince George’s County, the party’s primary this summer is a contest between two relatively well-known “formers.” It pits former representative Donna F. Edwards, running to regain the seat she held from 2008 to 2017, against Prince George’s former top prosecutor, Glenn Ivey. Both are able, savvy, qualified candidates, but Mr. Ivey would make a more effective member of Congress. He has our endorsement.
Maryland’s newly drawn voting map left the 4th District even bluer than it was before, which is saying something. Whoever wins the party’s July 19 primary is a shoo-in to win the general election for a seat being vacated by Rep. Anthony Brown, a Democrat running for Maryland attorney general.
This contest does not turn on ideology.
Both Mr. Ivey and Ms. Edwards are steadfast liberals, although there are shades of difference between them, their stances on Israel being one. (Mr. Ivey, generally supportive, has received major donations facilitated by the political action committee of the main pro-Israel lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Ms. Edwards has at times tilted toward the Palestinians.) Both support expanded health-care coverage and paid family leave; an array of steps to promote gun control and police accountability; and tough measures to grapple with climate change.
