A Conversation with Congressman David Trone: Running for U.S. Senate and Celebrating Diversity

In an exclusive interview with Kadmiel Van Der Puije, CEO of The Voice of Africa, Congressman David Trone, who currently represents Maryland’s sixth district and is running for the United States Senate, shared his thoughts on the importance of engaging the African community, celebrating diversity, and addressing critical immigration issues.

Getting the African Community Engaged

When asked about his plans for the African community, Congressman Trone emphasized the need to engage and mobilize this vibrant community. He stressed the importance of getting African Americans out to vote and, equally importantly, encouraging community members to run for political office themselves. Congressman Trone recognizes that active participation in politics, not just through voting but also by becoming candidates, is essential for effective representation.

The Significance of Events Celebrating Diversity

Congressman Trone highlighted the importance of attending events that celebrate diversity, such as the African Heritage Month proclamation celebration where the interview took place. He expressed his concern about the challenges posed by right-wing elements in today’s political landscape. Attending events that highlight and embrace diversity, like the celebration they were at, serves as a powerful countermeasure against divisive forces. Congressman Trone believes that diversity fuels American business entrepreneurship and contributes to the nation’s success.

He pointed out that a significant portion of Fortune 500 companies are either first-generation or second-generation companies founded by immigrants, citing tech giants like Google, eBay, and Apple. Recognizing this, Congressman Trone is committed to welcoming immigrants lawfully and reforming the immigration system. Immigration reform is a top priority for him as he believes it will strengthen the country’s foundation.

Immigration Reform: A Top Priority

According to Congressman Trone, fixing the broken and dysfunctional immigration system is critical. He envisions a streamlined immigration process that allows citizens to sponsor their family members, such as brothers, uncles, and aunts, to come to the United States lawfully. The goal is to enable immigrants to obtain citizenship within five years and eliminate existing backlogs. Congressman Trone firmly believes that this approach aligns with the country’s historical reliance on immigration to drive its growth and prosperity.

Thoughts on the Montgomery County African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG)

Congressman Trone commended the work of the African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG). He emphasized the importance of advisory groups like AG, which bring together community members to stand united. He lauded their efforts to create a platform where the community’s voice is amplified and where real change can occur. Congressman Trone encouraged AAAG to continue its work at the federal level, highlighting that this is where significant policy changes, such as immigration reform, can be achieved.

Representing Diverse Counties and Cities

Lastly, Congressman Trone shared that he currently represents a diverse array of counties and cities in Maryland. His sixth congressional district includes Montgomery County, parts of Frederick, Washington, and Allegany counties. As a businessman with a background in building successful ventures, he values diversity and believes it played a crucial role in the success of his company, Total Wine and More.

In closing, Congressman Trone reiterated his commitment to fostering diversity, addressing immigration reform, and supporting initiatives like the African Affairs Advisory Group that empower communities and celebrate the strength of diversity. His perspective as a business leader turned politician underscores the significance of diversity as a driving force behind America’s success.