Mariela Roca, a Puerto Rican and veteran of the Air Force, lost her third attempt to become the Republican candidate for the US House of Representatives in Maryland's 6th district on Tuesday. Roca came in third place, with Robin Ficker winning the primary with 42.6% of the vote, followed by Chris Burnett with around 37.4%.
The district, which includes parts of Garrett, Allegany, Frederick, Washington, and Montgomery counties, is currently held by Democratic Congresswoman April McLain Delaney, who won her primary. Roca, who left her position as a liaison with minorities at the Department of Veterans Affairs to run for Congress, defended President Donald Trump during her campaign, while also acknowledging the rising cost of living as a major concern for voters.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman McLain Delaney defeated former Congressman David Trone, a millionaire liquor industry businessman who spent around $25 million on his campaign, in her primary.