Sunil Dasgupta – Candidate for House of Delegates District 19 (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. Candidates who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information can get access through our contact form. The information in this post was submitted directly by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO or its publication.

Basic Information

Political Party: Democratic

Campaign Website: votesunil.com

Social Media: @votesunildasgupta

Why Are You Running For Office?

I am running to make government work for the 99 percent, which is currently not the case. I know this because for the last 5 years, I have been out in my community every day producing a twice-weekly state and local news podcast where we have investigated the affordability crisis, public education, and much more (linktr.ee/ihppod). For 17 years now, I have taught political science and researched state and local politics in Maryland. I have fought to improve K-12 education as a PTA president and school board candidate (2020). And as one of Montgomery County’s 32 percent of foreign-born, I know that immigrants are safer when we are all better off. But this will only happen if we focus on public welfare over factional fights, take politics seriously rather than stand aside, and match top tax rates to our collective ambitions. I am running to fight this fight.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

Affordability. The state government cannot lower grocery prices, but it does regulate electricity and gas utilities, hospital and drug costs, and home and auto insurance. I will advocate to keep the electricity capacity auction cap and support robust data center regulation that requires adding new generation. I will work to retain the state’s unique all-payer hospital payment system that lowers premiums and to enable faster adoption of prescription drugs payment limits. The problem is that affordability is made worse by the Trump Administration’s government’s wrong-headed policies that constrain trade (using tariffs, unnecessary wars), labor supply (via illegal and predatory immigration enforcement), and inflationary spending in general. In this sense, fighting to keep the federal government at bay is part of affordability. This also relates to questions about taxes and wages. On taxes, the main argument is the Republican one, which is, taxes raise costs. The flip side is that taxes also pay for services and investments. Taxing high incomes drives innovation and productivity and pays for institutions and infrastructure. On wages, it is important to strengthen unions who are among the few organized groups in America with the resources and networks to stand up to a predatory federal government. So, we want wages to grow to catch up with inflation and for the working class to remain strong in this fight.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

Deep community engagement every day and every week in Montgomery over two decades and as a result I have a worm’s eye view of my community that enables me to deliver practical solutions now. Every week for over 5 years, I have highlighted pressing concerns–energy, healthcare, housing costs, education, the environment, road safety, and much more on my podcast (linktr.ee/ihppod). I have built a venue attended by elected officials, agency heads, experts, and community members. We have asked tough questions, uplifted local voices (and music) and brought clarity on complex issues. I have been an educator in Montgomery County for almost two decades, researching and teaching state and local politics. I have fought for K-12 education as PTA president and school board candidate (2020).

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

First, I enjoy and promote local music and food. I can also talk endlessly about composting. Second, I like hikes with my dog, which are then naturally slow and long. Third, I am approachable, open, and straight-shooting. I change my mind based on data and arguments provided by others. Fourth, as part of my job and as host of the podcast, I have also honed both my Socratic teaching skills and my ability to question people effectively. Try me some time 🙂

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