Chris Chaffee
Advanced as the Republican Nominee after the June 23, 2026 Primary Election with 11,536 votes (51.2%). Always verify official ballot status with the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Chris Chaffee is the Republican nominee for U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 5th Congressional District. A husband, father, grandfather, son of a veteran, small business owner, builder, and farmer with deep roots across District 5, he pledges a self-imposed 3-term limit and an America First agenda focused on economic relief, funding the Department of Defense, building a new Calvert-to-St. Mary's bridge, and government accountability.
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Verified Policy Stances & Platform
Public record positions, statements, and campaign positions.
Robust DOD Funding, Base Protection, and American Energy Independence
Strongly supports full funding for the Department of Defense and safeguarding military installations across Southern Maryland, particularly Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Opposes foreign entanglements while advocating for peace through strength, domestic rare-mineral production, and preserving Southern Maryland industries including small businesses, farmers, and Chesapeake watermen.
"Putting America first includes funding for DOD, keeping our military bases funded, and leading by strength. America has built a military machine to lead by strength—we each know someone that serves or works at one of our bases across America. I am not for boots on the ground... Protect the Southern Maryland industries including, farmers big and small, Chesapeake Bay watermen and our way of life."
Building a New Calvert-to-St. Mary's Bridge & Ending Infrastructure Delays
Makes regional bridge infrastructure a top congressional priority, advocating for federal partnership to build a new crossing between Calvert and St. Mary's County as the vital artery to NAS Patuxent River. Criticizes multi-year delays on Maryland bridge projects like the Baltimore Key Bridge and demands accountability in state and federal transportation execution.
"The loss of the bridge in Baltimore has destroyed the lives of everyone who has to travel farther for work at higher cost. Two years have passed and this bridge is not under construction. There is no excuse for this failure to all Marylanders. We must also look into a new bridge crossing from Calvert to St Mary's the main pathway to Patuxent River Naval Base."
No Budget No Pay Law, 30-Day Fuel Tax Holiday & Halting Inflation
Proposes binding legislation that stops congressional pay whenever legislators fail to pass a balanced budget, ending government shutdowns. Calls for an immediate 30-day federal and state gas tax suspension to provide direct relief for commuters, while cutting wasteful federal spending to stop inflation.
"The budget shortfalls and the shutdowns should never happen. If the funding isn't there then the legislators who are responsible to passing the budget should have their pay stopped. There needs to be an incentive to force negotiations. No legislators should be paid if the budget isn't balanced this should be the law. Americans today could use some help lowering fuel prices by the federal government and state government suspending the fuel tax for 30 days."
Slashing Construction Permitting Delays and Supporting Local Builders
Draws on decades of hands-on experience as a licensed builder and contractor across the tri-county area to tackle the housing affordability crisis. Argues that cumbersome bureaucratic permitting and financing hurdles artificially inflate the price of homes and rentals in Maryland.
"Home and rent costs have skyrocketed due to shortage of home builders funding and land. We need to minimize the permit process for both residential and commercial construction. These are all hot button topics for Maryland."
Backing Law Enforcement, Securing Borders & Protecting the Second Amendment
Pledges unwavering support for police officers, sheriff's deputies, and emergency first responders. Prioritizes southern border security and full funding for Homeland Security, TSA, and the Coast Guard to combat fentanyl, illegal drug trafficking, and human trafficking, while strictly protecting Second Amendment rights.
"I will fight for policies that make Maryland safer and more affordable... Stand with the Blue Line, Support our First Responders, Secure our Borders, End Human and Drug Trafficking, Protect our Second Amendment... We must FUND HOMELAND FULLY and end game playing."
Preserving Chesapeake Bay Watermen Heritage and Working Farmland
Advocates for balanced environmental policies that protect the natural beauty and marine bounty of the Chesapeake Bay while fiercely defending the livelihood of commercial watermen, oyster harvesters, and multi-generational family farms across District 5.
"Securing our border, increasing America energy production including our rare minerals, will help bring back manufacturing and help increase America's strength at home and abroad. Protect the Southern Maryland industries including, farmers big and small, Chesapeake Bay watermen and our way of life."
Promoting Union Trades Apprenticeships, STEM & Parental Accountability
Highlights personal vocational journey starting in Local 26 electrical union and graduating from the University of Maryland, arguing that federal education policy must emphasize high-paying skilled trade apprenticeships and technical education alongside academic tracks.
"One of my first jobs right out of high school was local 26 electrical union and then moved over to University of Maryland go TERPS, where I finished my electrical education... We need to give young people practical career pathways, support our public schools, and encourage the work ethic that built this country."
Official Campaign Priorities
- Funding the Department of Defense and securing Patuxent River Naval Base and military installations
- Advocating for a new bridge crossing from Calvert to St. Mary's to support Pax River commuters
- Lowering the cost of living by suspending fuel taxes for 30 days and ending wasteful federal spending
- No budget, no pay: halting congressional pay whenever the federal budget is not balanced
- Minimizing permit red tape for residential and commercial builders to lower skyrocketing housing costs
- American energy independence and protecting Chesapeake Bay watermen and family farmers
- Standing with law enforcement, securing the borders, and upholding the Second Amendment
- Self-imposed term limit of 3 terms (6 years total) in the U.S. House of Representatives
Other Candidates in This Race:
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Live Activity Timeline
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