Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-Md.) won the Democratic primary for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating former Rep. David Trone in a bitter and expensive race. With 92% of precincts reporting, Delaney led Trone by 2,423 votes, according to early returns. The Associated Press called the race for Delaney shortly after 11:35 p.m. ET.
Delaney, a freshman lawmaker and former Biden administration appointee, will now face one of three Republicans in the November general election: Robin Ficker, Chris Burnett, or Mariela Roca. The district is considered safely Democratic.
The primary race was one of the costliest in the 2026 cycle, with over $32 million spent by both candidates. Trone, a billionaire wine retailer, invested more than $25 million of his personal fortune, while Delaney spent at least $7 million. The contest highlighted intraparty divisions over immigration, abortion rights, and the influence of wealth in politics.
Delaney had the backing of Maryland’s Democratic congressional delegation and Gov. Wes Moore, while Trone criticized her for supporting the GOP-authored Laken Riley Act, which requires detention of certain undocumented immigrants. Delaney later expressed regret for her vote, citing concerns over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Trone also faced scrutiny for touting support from Hillary Clinton in an ad without a formal endorsement.
The race marked Trone’s second high-profile loss after his failed 2024 Senate bid, where he spent over $60 million. Delaney, married to former Rep. John Delaney, won the open seat in 2024 after Trone vacated it to run for Senate.