Hey, Politicians: How Much Is Your Silence Worth To David Trone?

This article delves into how David Trone, a wealthy businessman running for the 6th Congressional District in Maryland, and his family have made over $113,000 in campaign contributions to Maryland politicians since 2025. The article focuses on how two-thirds of this money, around $74,000, has gone to officials representing the 6th District, where Trone is challenging incumbent Rep. April McClain Delaney in the Democratic primary. The article argues that this money has purchased the silence of these officials, who have not endorsed either candidate. Specifically, the article highlights the case of Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, who received $42,500 from the Trone family and has not endorsed McClain Delaney, as well as several Frederick County Council members who did endorse McClain Delaney and did not receive Trone family contributions. The article also examines the Trone family's contributions to other Maryland politicians, such as Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman and City Councilmember Jim McNulty, who are running for the Montgomery County Council using public financing but have not endorsed a candidate in the 6th District race. The article argues that the Trone family's campaign donations have silenced these officials and questions whether their endorsements or lack thereof are influenced by the money they have received. It also highlights the opposition from Frederick County residents to data center development in the area, a key issue in the 6th District race.