Name *
Andrea Crooms
Age *
44
Office and District *
US House MD- 5
City and County of Residence *
Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
JD, University of Kentucky; MS, Energy Management and Engineering, New York Institute of Technology; BSAG Food and Resource Economics/Natural Resources Management, University of Delaware
Career/Occupation *
Director, Department of Environment, Prince George's County Government
Political Experience *
None.
Website *
Facebook Page *
https://www.facebook.com/croomsforcongress/
Public Twitter Handle
https://twitter.com/andreacrooms
Public Instagram Handle
https://www.instagram.com/andreacrooms_md5/
Public TikTok Handle *
https://www.tiktok.com/@andrea_crooms
YouTube Page
https://www.youtube.com/@AndreaCrooms
Other Public Social Media Accounts
n/a
Why are you running for office? *
As a lifetime public servant, I have focused on bringing resources and positive change to our community. My decision to run for Congress is fueled by the desire to make my home better, for my family and my neighbors.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
Shirley Chisolm. She really hated the partisan posturing and theatrics- and called folks out for it. She was ahead of her time, a champion for many of the issues that are still at the forefront for working people and minority communities today - raising the minimum wage, affordable health care, and high-quality schools. She never compromised one her convictions “I think they feel that there is no personal vindictiveness in my rebellions,” Chisholm wrote, “that I am only fighting hard for things I believe in strongly, so they respect me as a person even when I horrify them as a politician.”
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
I'm not sure I can pick a favorite- but one I have been rereading over the last few months- in light of the challenges families are facing with rising costs of well, everything, is The Two-Income Trap- By Elizabeth Warren. This was written before she was a household name- and talks about the childhood I remember, where my dad was responsible for the economic viability of our family, and when our family hit hard times- my mom could join the labor market to help. It looks at the modern era- where two-income households are the norm- and so there is no back-up earner- and both mom and dad have to work to keep up the family in the middle-class. I spend a lot of time thinking about the policies we need to support working families- so this was a nice book to reread about the policies that got us where we are.
What will be your top priority if elected? *
Implementing policies to support working families, and make America and Maryland more fair and equitable.
What are the three biggest issues facing your district? *
Lack of support for working families, Poorly planned and funded development and transportation, High costs of the basic needs for living
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
Lack of support for working families, Poorly planned and funded development and transportation, High costs of the basic needs for living
What are the three biggest issues facing our country? *
Lack of investment in working people, failure to build and maintain infrastructure, failure by those in power to acknowlege and respond to the
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I believe that the government should stay out of moral issues. I believe that a woman's right to control her own body, including choosing abortion is a right and a decision made by her and her doctor. States who have chosen to outlaw abortion or contraceptives are legislating morals- which is not the proper role of government. I believe we should support women, mothers and children- universal healthcare, childcare, protection from violence, and genuine economic opportunity will reduce the number of abortions in this country far more than limiting access to healthcare.
What is your position on taxes, spending, and the federal deficit? *
As taxpayers, we are investors in our local, state and federal government- we have the right to decide how our money is spent and should receive reports on it that are clear and understandable. The number of taxes we pay, and the manner in which we pay them are confusing, and often unfair. We should elect persons who will ensure that taxes are fair, and spend our money responsibly. Corporations should pay their fair share of taxes in exchange for access to our markets. I also believe that term limits, ethics reform, and preventing Congresspersons from investing in the stock market while in office will result in more fair and reasonable spending.
What is your position on gun rights? *
I am a hunter, and I own a shotgun and a crossbow (that is just as deadly). I believe that Americans have the right to own a gun. However, that right is not without limits. Sensible gun regulation is necessary to prevent the gun violence that occurs in America- and no where else in the world. That includes laws to keep guns out of the wrong hands, limitations on assault weapons and dangerous hardware, keeping guns out of schools, and holding the gun industry accountable.
What is your position on the federal legalization of marijuana? *
I believe that the "war on drugs" has done a lot more harm than good. Properly regulated marijuana, kept out of the hands of children, can provide a source of revenue for government programs and will refocus public safety resources on more serious issues.
What is your position on trade? *
I do not believe unfettered free trade has worked. I do not believe that becoming insular and choosing not to participate in the global economy will work either. The issue with effective trade is a failure of governance- the economy is global now- but there must be "rules" to trade- rules that protect American workers, consumers and the environment.
What is your position on foreign policy and military issues? *
We must develop a 21st century approach to Foreign Policy. The United States can and should be a leader that uplifts and strengthens democracy around the world. This requires a new approach, and acknowledgment of the goals and desires of all nations, especially those in the Global South, who envision a future that is more open, more sustainable, and places equal value on people no matter into what circumstances they are born. I support military aid to Ukraine, to repel the illegal invasion of Russia. I support a permanent, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. Israels’ actions constitute a genocide of Palestinian people. I support ending all military aid to Israel and demanding the government of Israel conforms to international law and standards, permits global aid to reach the Palestinian people, and returns to the negotiating table to establish a solution that includes equal-representation, self-determination, freedom of movement, and upholds and protects the rights and dignity of both Palestinian and Israeli people.
What policies would you support to fight inflation? *
Inflation is not the problem- rising costs are. If you look at the level of prices, they are way up since 2020. If you look at the rate at which prices are changing (aka inflation), it has returned to fairly normal levels. So the problem is NOT inflation- it it the fact that everything costs too much. This is linked to the problem that our legislators our out-of-touch with the day-to-day lives of regular people- and don't prioritize things like lowering the costs of groceries. The U.S. government has done nothing as price of raw materials like wheat, eggs and energy has declined, but the cost of the groceries they turn into hasn't. In Congress I will work to require the folks who bring these materials to store shelves to lower food prices when material prices decline, limit "shrinkflation" and stop these companies from taking advantage of consumers. I will put programs in place to incentivize building more housing- so all families can afford the rent or mortgage. I will also support policies that ensure working families have the wages and support needed to afford the prices that aren't likely to go back down.
What is your position on Transgender issues?
Transgendered people have the same rights to a fulfilling healthy life as anyone else. They have the right to live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. I fail to understand why this is so hard for people to understand, transgendered people aren't a threat to you or your children, they just want to live. Why is that so much to ask?
Would you support the passage of the Human Life Amendment? *
No
Would you support the passage of the Balanced Budget Amendment? *
No
Do you support D.C. Statehood? *
Yes
Do you support retrocession of the District of Columbia into Maryland? *
No
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you support another round of federal stimulus payments? *
No
Do you support the proposed ban on TikTok? *
No
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes