{ "id": "ep85gd50xw", "slug": "sarah-elfreth", "title": "Sarah Elfreth", "updated": "2026-10-12", "topic_path": [ { "id": "society", "label": "Society and history", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society" }, { "id": "society.politics", "label": "Politics and government", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions", "label": "Government and public administration", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders", "label": "Politicians and government officeholders (biographies)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members", "label": "US House members", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives", "label": "Southern state representatives", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j", "label": "Surnames E to J", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j", "label": "United States · 2021 and later: Surnames E to J", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j", "path": [ { "id": "geo.us", "label": "United States", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021", "label": "United States · 2021 and later", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society", "label": "Society and history", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics", "label": "Politics and government", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions", "label": "Government and public administration", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders", "label": "Politicians and government officeholders (biographies)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members", "label": "US House members", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives", "label": "Southern state representatives", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j", "label": "Surnames E to J", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Sarah Elfreth is an American Democratic politician and U.S. Representative for Maryland's 3rd congressional district since 2025, after six years in the Maryland State Senate.", "snippet": "Sarah Elfreth is an American Democratic politician and U.S. Representative for Maryland's 3rd congressional district since 2025, after six years in the Maryland State Senate.", "node": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-e-to-j", "markdown": "# Sarah Elfreth\n\nSarah Elfreth (born 1988) is an American politician and a Democrat serving as the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 3rd congressional district since 2025.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301) She previously served six years in the Maryland State Senate representing District 30, to which she was elected in 2018.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) She is the Democratic nominee for the district in the November 2026 general election, facing Republican nominee [Berney Flowers](https://www.edgepedia.org/berney-flowers).[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/)\n\n| Fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Party | Democrat[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301) |\n| Current office | U.S. Representative, Maryland's 3rd district (since 2025)[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301) |\n| Previous offices | Maryland State Senator, District 30 (elected 2018); Member, University System of Maryland Board of Regents[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) |\n| Born | 1988[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301) |\n| Education | Bachelor's degree, Towson University; master's in public policy, Johns Hopkins University[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) |\n\n## Party affiliation\n\nElfreth has been a Democrat throughout her congressional service, which began on January 3, 2025.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301) She filed as a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Maryland's 3rd district in 2026 and won the Democratic nomination in the June 23, 2026 primary.[4](https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2026pdates.pdf)\n\n## Early life and education\n\nElfreth was raised by two civil servants in a union household, according to her official biography.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) She is a graduate of [Towson University](https://www.edgepedia.org/towson-university) and the [Johns Hopkins University](https://www.edgepedia.org/johns-hopkins-university), where she earned a master's degree in public policy.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) • [3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) She lives in Annapolis with her husband, Eric, and her dog, Ollie.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about)\n\n## Career\n\nElfreth began her public service career on the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and then worked as an advocate for the National Aquarium in Baltimore.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) In 2018 she was elected to the Maryland State Senate from District 30, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to that chamber.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) Her state Senate service began in 2019.[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) Her official biography states that in Annapolis she passed 91 bipartisan bills into law.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about)\n\nIn 2024 she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 3rd district, an open seat after longtime Representative John Sarbanes retired.[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) She took office on January 3, 2025.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301) She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, where she is Vice-Ranking Member, and sits on the Naval Academy Board of Visitors.[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about) Her official site states that she has \"dedicated much of her first term advocating on behalf of the 44,000 federal workers she represents.\"[2](https://elfreth.house.gov/about)\n\n## Electoral history\n\nIn 2024, Elfreth won the open 3rd district seat with 59.4% of the vote to Republican Robert Steinberger's 38.0%, with Barajas receiving 2.6%.[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) In 2026 she won the Democratic primary on June 23 and will face Republican nominee Berney Flowers, a retired Air Force officer, in the November general election.[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) • [4](https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2026pdates.pdf)\n\n## Issues specific to Elfreth\n\nThe [Chesapeake Bay](https://www.edgepedia.org/chesapeake-bay) has been a focus of Elfreth's work. Her official site describes her advocacy for the bay as decades-long, and she and Representatives Bobby Scott, Rob Wittman, and Jennifer Kiggans announced House passage of H.R. 6893, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act.[5](https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases) She and Scott, as co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, issued a statement after President Trump revoked Executive Order 13508, which had directed federal agencies to reduce water pollution from federal lands and facilities and to promote ecosystem conservation.[5](https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases)\n\nElfreth has announced federal funding for projects in Maryland, including more than $6 million for Annapolis public safety and environmental restoration, $8,627,091 to strengthen security at 49 religious institutions and community centers across Maryland, and $33,931,039 for infrastructure upgrades at BWI, Carroll County Regional, and Hagerstown Regional airports.[5](https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases)\n\nShe has also joined Maryland delegation colleagues in pressing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Venturella for answers around an ICE operation in Frederick.[5](https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases) Maryland Bay News reported in 2026 on outside spending by groups that supported Elfreth's 2024 campaign but were independent of it, and on her public position on ICE enforcement.[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/)\n\n## Positions and voting record\n\n### Immigration\n\nElfreth voted against the [Laken Riley Act](https://www.edgepedia.org/laken-riley-act) on January 22, 2025; the bill passed the House 263 to 156.[6](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190022) The act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals arrested for offenses including burglary, theft, and assault of a law enforcement officer, and authorizes states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement decisions.[6](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190022)\n\n### Elections\n\nOn April 10, 2025, Elfreth voted against the SAVE Act, which passed 220 to 208.[7](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190101) The bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.[7](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190101)\n\n### Budget and taxes\n\nElfreth voted against H.R. 1, the [One Big Beautiful Bill Act](https://www.edgepedia.org/one-big-beautiful-bill-act), on May 22, 2025 (passed 215 to 214) and against final concurrence in the Senate amendment on July 3, 2025 (passed 218 to 214).[8](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190144) • [9](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190189) The act reduces taxes, adjusts spending for federal programs, and increases the statutory debt limit.[8](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190144) She also voted against the [Rescissions Act of 2025](https://www.edgepedia.org/rescissions-act-of-2025) on June 12, 2025 (passed 214 to 212), which rescinded unobligated funds provided to the Department of State, USAID, and the [Corporation for Public Broadcasting](https://www.edgepedia.org/corporation-for-public-broadcasting), among others.[10](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190167) On June 9, 2026, she voted against the Secure America Act (passed 214 to 212), which provides $70 billion in funding to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and related agencies.[11](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190574)\n\n### Government funding and shutdowns\n\nElfreth voted against the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 on November 12, 2025 (passed 222 to 209), which ended the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025.[12](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190284) On February 3, 2026, she voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (passed 217 to 214), which funds several departments for the remainder of fiscal year 2026.[13](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190413)\n\n### Defense and foreign policy\n\nOn July 22, 2026, Elfreth voted against the [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027](https://www.edgepedia.org/national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2027), which passed 216 to 212; the bill sets policies and authorizations for Department of Defense programs for fiscal year 2027.[14](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190638) Maryland Bay News described the vote as a break from the defense-heavy consensus of a district home to Fort Meade.[3](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/) On June 4, 2026, she voted for the Ukraine Support Act, which passed 226 to 195; the bill provides assistance to Ukraine and certain European countries and establishes penalties for Russia and certain foreign persons.[15](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190567)\n\n## Other recorded votes\n\n| Date | Measure | Vote | Tally | Result |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| 2025-07-17 | GENIUS Act[16](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190199) | No | 308 to 122 | Passed |\n| 2025-12-17 | Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act[17](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190348) | No | 216 to 211 | Passed |\n\n## References\n\n1. [Elfreth, Sarah - Biographical Directory of the United States Congress](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000301)\n2. [About | Representative Sarah Elfreth](https://elfreth.house.gov/about)\n3. [A 90-to-1 Fundraising Gap: Inside the MD-3 General Election - Maryland Bay News](https://mdbaynews.com/2026/08/17/md3-general-election-elfreth-flowers-fundraising/)\n4. [2026 Federal Election Dates (FEC)](https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2026pdates.pdf)\n5. [Press Releases | Representative Sarah Elfreth](https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases)\n6. [House Roll Call RH1190022 - Laken Riley Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190022)\n7. [House Roll Call RH1190101 - SAVE Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190101)\n8. [House Roll Call RH1190144 - H.R. 1](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190144)\n9. [House Roll Call RH1190189 - H.R. 1](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190189)\n10. [House Roll Call RH1190167 - Rescissions Act of 2025](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190167)\n11. [House Roll Call RH1190574 - Secure America Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190574)\n12. [House Roll Call RH1190284 - Continuing Appropriations, 2026](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190284)\n13. [House Roll Call RH1190413 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190413)\n14. [House Roll Call RH1190638 - NDAA FY2027](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190638)\n15. [House Roll Call RH1190567 - Ukraine Support Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190567)\n16. [Roll call RH1190199 (VoteView)](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190199)\n17. [Roll call RH1190348 (VoteView)](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190348)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Society and history › Politics and government › Government and public administration › Politicians and government officeholders (biographies) › US House members › Southern state representatives › Surnames E to J*\n\n*Initially written Sep 27, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 28, 2026; Sep 29, 2026 · Edited: Sep 28, 2026; Sep 29, 2026; Oct 12, 2026 · Last review: Sep 29, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Sarah Elfreth\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Sarah Elfreth](https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth](https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Sarah Elfreth\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/sarah-elfreth. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Sarah Elfreth is an American Democratic politician and U.S. Representative for Maryland's 3rd congressional district since 2025, after six years in the Maryland State Senate." }