Name *
Dr. Brenda Thiam
Age *
54
Office and District
U.S. Representative, District 6
City and County of Residence *
Hagerstown Washington County
Political Party *
Republican
Education *
Doctorate/PhD (Special Education Leadership)
Career/Occupation *
Service Navigator
Political Experience *
State Delegate, district 2B
Website *
Facebook Page
Public Twitter Handle
Public Instagram Handle
Public TikTok Handle
na
YouTube Page
na
Other Public Social Media Accounts
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Why are you running for office? *
I'm running for office because I don't recognize our country anymore and complaining about it doesn't effect change. It's time for common sense Republicans, and others, to stand up and be bold against the agenda that's destroying our country. Being an arm-chair Republican is days of old. Our country is headed down a dangerous path and I'm equipped and ready to fight to protect our freedoms.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
Ronald Reagan was one of our greatest presidents to serve in office. He was quick-witted and had a great love for our country. During his presidency, President Reagan championed the core beliefs that the Republican party practices today; lower taxes, smaller government restrictions and regulations on businesses and individuals, and a strong military for the country. Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator" and often asked the general public their opinion for their support regarding legislation. He had a way with words that could make you laugh or cause you to think seriously about what he said.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make it Harder for Blacks to Succeed by Jason L. Riley. This book is very descriptive explaining how liberal policies hurt Black Americans more than helping them. It shares data and statistics that support liberal policies that are detrimental to the success of the Black community.
What will be your top priority if elected? *
Policies to support our economy, education, and the border crisis.
What are the three biggest issues facing your district? *
The need for better-paying jobs in the furthest west of the district (Garrett and Allegany county); opioid crisis; affordable housing.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
The economy, high taxes, and crime.
What are the three biggest issues facing our country? *
The economy, crime, and the border crisis
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I'm pro-life and support the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and shift the responsibility back to the states. I believe in the sanctity of life and preserving life. I think assisted suicide can progress to the slippery slope of euthanasia, which is inhumane.
What is your position on taxes, spending, and the federal deficit? *
Maryland's taxes are driving citizens out of the state and retiring in other states, such as Florida. As of December 2023, Maryland is the 12th highest state with the number of residents who moved to Florida. A tax reduction for all Americans would be beneficial, but it has to be done the right way. We spend too much money as a country and the value of the dollar is devalued. The nearly 35T dollars in debt we're carrying is a travesty. We must take care of our own and avoid continuously giving money to other countries while Americans are drowning.
What is your position on gun rights? *
Any law-abiding citizen should be able to carry a firearm as it's their constitutional right to do so. If a person has committed and served time for a felonious crime, their constitutional right to carry a firearm is taken away. I believe we have more of a mental health crisis versus a gun issue. Laws are in place for background checks and waiting days in between before you're able to purchase a firearm. We need to focus on the criminals committing egregious criminal acts with firearms and not block law-abiding citizens from being able to conceal and carry a firearm.
What is your position on the federal legalization of marijuana? *
I don't support legalizing marijuana at the federal level. However, if marijuana does become legal to use at the federal level, regulations must be in place first and any revenue that's generated from this legalization must be used wisely.
What is your position on trade? *
We need to stop all trading with China. If that's not possible, we need to impose strong tariffs on imports from China and they need to be punitive. They are our enemy and seek to destroy America. Bring manufacturing jobs back to America. America First 100%.
What is your position on foreign policy and military issues? *
We can't continue to write blank checks to other countries while the USA is drowning. From the billions of dollars we've sent Ukraine, we need the receipts and inventory of how the money was spent. China and Russia's friendship has become quite frightening. We need a strong military presence to prepare us for any attacks, foreign or domestic. The military today has joined the "woke" conversation and focusing on DEI. We need a strong military and leaders who know how to lead the military; not woke bureaucrats who push far-left agendas.
What policies would you support to fight inflation? *
Our spending power is reduced because of inflation. What $20 bought in 2021, isn't the same as what you can buy with the same $20 today. The Inflation Reduction Act needs to be repealed. It's not working successfully for average American families. We also need to cut our spending. We're spending more money than generating revenue and we need to make fiscal policy more sustainable for Americans.
What is your position on Transgender issues?
Adults over the age of 18 can make decisions for their lives that they deem necessary. What you do in the comfort of your home as an adult is your choice. However, when it involves children under the age of 17, I do not support gender-affirming surgeries and pronoun usage different than what you're born. We must allow children to be children and guide them with research-based information.
Would you support the passage of the Human Life Amendment? *
Yes
Would you support the passage of the Balanced Budget Amendment? *
Yes
Do you support D.C. Statehood? *
No
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? *
No
Do you support another round of federal stimulus payments? *
No
Do you support the proposed ban on TikTok? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes