Written by CAPA-JRC reporters Alvin Tong, Sophie Huang, Andrew Dai, and Angie Shen
On the evening of January 26th, 2024, Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam hosted a campaign dinner in preparation for the upcoming election for representative of Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been representing Maryland’s District 12 in the House of Delegates and State Senate, including parts of Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore Counties since 2015. In addition to his political career, he is also an active physician, which he hopes can aid in bringing more knowledge to issues about healthcare in legislatures.
In an exclusive interview, Lam articulated his motivations and the unique perspective he brings to his campaign. Reflecting on his nine years as a legislator in the Maryland General Assembly, Lam emphasized the impact that effective governance can have on communities. Despite acknowledging the challenges of Capitol Hill, he remains committed to bringing a common-sense, problem-solving approach to Congress.
Clarence Lam’s path involves politics and medicine, both fueled by a dedication to service. He draws similarities between legislating and practicing medicine, noting the broader scope of issues legislators address. As Lam puts it, “As a doctor, you can only help people in their health. But as a legislator, you can help people not just with their health but education, environment, transportation issues, technology issues.” His campaign leverages his expertise as a physician to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, no matter their background or circumstances.
When questioned about the emphasis on his Asian American identity in his campaign, Lam stressed the importance of diversity and inclusivity. As a second-generation Asian American, he values the opportunities afforded in a diverse society and advocates for legislation that reflects these principles. “Whether it's in the General Assembly or it's in Congress, I think that common theme is really important,” he states. For Lam, his core values of helping, supporting, and understanding each other ground many of the legislative changes that he supports in order to ensure equitable access to healthcare, environmental protection, and education for all.
In essence, Lam’s campaign represents a combination of his roles as a physician and an advocate for Asian American representation. Rooted in a deep commitment to service and guided by principles of inclusivity and diversity, his candidacy embodies a vision for a more equitable future for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District and beyond. As the election approaches, Lam's candidacy serves as a testament to the transformative potential of bridging medicine and legislation to effect positive change in our communities.
This article was provided by the Chinese American Parents Association Junior Reporter Club (CAPA JRC) with members who interviewed, audio recorded, wrote, translated, and video recorded. CAPA JRC has 25 Montgomery County middle to high school students. They have created a bilingual platform delivering news and serving the community.
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