Republican candidate Neil C. Parrott dropped out of the race for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District on Thursday.
On election night Nov. 5, McClain led Delaney, a Montgomery County Democrat, by about 315 votes. After mail-in votes were counted, the Associated Press called the race for Delaney on November 9.
“The vast majority of votes have now been counted and it has become clear that April McClain-Delaney will be elected to this Congressional seat,” Parrott said in a statement Thursday. “I wish Ms. McClain-Delaney the very best as she carries out her duties of serving the people of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District over the next two years.”
The congressional district — the state’s most competitive district — stretches from Montgomery County, a very blue Washington suburb, through purple Frederick County to the Republican-leaning, far western region of Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties. Parrott was previously a state delegate from Washington County.
In the contested district, there are 205,555 registered Democrats, 175,738 Republicans and 131,400 unaffiliated voters.
“I am deeply grateful for the enthusiastic grassroots support from people from all walks of life who have worked with us over the past few months,” Parrott said in the statement. “I am grateful to all the business owners, farmers and elected officials who took the time to help me understand the unique needs and strengths of our communities.”
The race was thought to be of national importance in the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. But on Thursday, a Republican victory for a seat in Arizona gave the party 218 seats and majority control.
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