Destiny West

Destiny West (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Maryland's 6th Congressional District. She lost in the Democratic primary on May 14, 2024.

West completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Destiny West was born in Dallas, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from California Baptist University in 2016 and a graduate degree from the University of California, Irvine in 2018. West's career experience includes working as a legislative director.^[1]

Elections

2024

Maryland's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 14 Democratic primary)

Maryland's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 14 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Maryland District 6

April McClain-Delaney defeated Neil Parrott in the general election for U.S. House Maryland District 6 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	April McClain-Delaney (D)	53.0	199,788
	Neil Parrott (R)	46.7	175,974
	Other/Write-in votes	0.2	862

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 376,624
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Jason Johnson (Unaffiliated)
Moshe Landman (G)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6 on May 14, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	April McClain-Delaney	40.4	22,985
	Joe Vogel	26.2	14,940
	Ashwani Jain	8.3	4,750
	Tekesha Martinez	7.0	3,992
	Lesley Lopez	4.6	2,600
	Laurie-Anne Sayles	3.2	1,845
	Destiny West	1.9	1,086
	Mohammad Mozumder	1.8	1,005
	Joel Rubin	1.4	820
	Peter Choharis	1.4	818
	Geoffrey Grammer	1.1	651
	George Gluck	0.8	437
	Kiambo White	0.7	401
	Stephen McDow	0.4	246
	Altimont Wilks	0.3	179
	Adrian Petrus	0.3	166

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 56,921
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Mia Mason (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6 on May 14, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Neil Parrott	45.9	22,604
	Dan Cox	30.1	14,797
	Mariela Roca	12.3	6,071
	Tom Royals	4.2	2,060
	Chris Hyser	3.3	1,625
	Brenda Thiam	3.3	1,607
	Todd Puglisi	0.9	446

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 49,210
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Heath Barnes (R)

Endorsements

To view West's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for West in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Destiny West completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by West's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Destiny Drake West is an award-winning policy expert, former U.S. Federal Official, and founder of the Drake Institute of Women’s Policy, a national think tank dedicated to the advancement of women’s inclusion, justice, and security in the United States. For her leadership, Destiny has received several congressional awards, including a Certificate of Recognition from Vice President Kamala Harris (then U.S. Senator) and a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

She most recently served as the authority and principal point-of-contact for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) responsibilities under the Title V Federal Surplus Property for Use to Assist the Homeless program. It is a joint-agency initiative in collaboration with GSA and HHS established to combat the homelessness crisis in America by reallocating federal property to organizations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness. This program is a priority of the Biden-Harris Administration.

Prior to joining HUD, Destiny served as a Senior Legislative Analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) where she was appointed as the bureau liaison for GAO, OIG, Tribal and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) related matters, helping to facilitate complex investigations and engagements in response to Congressional inquiries.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a candidate in the Maryland 6th District race, I urge Democratic voters to consider me—a woman candidate. I embody our community's diversity and values, committed to ensuring every voice is heard in Congress. Together, let's break barriers and shape a better future. I stand for change—I stand for you.
In the Maryland 6th District race, I'm committed to leadership that mirrors our values and understands our struggles. As your candidate, I bring empathy, inclusivity, and a fresh perspective to the table. Let's unite behind my vision for a fairer, more equitable future. Together, we can make a difference.
As a candidate in the Maryland 6th District race, I believe we can make history by electing a woman. Throughout history, women have been pioneers for social change, and I embody that spirit of progress and inclusion. Let's join forces to chart a new course towards a brighter tomorrow. I'm your choice for progress—I'm your voice for change.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

In the Maryland 6th District, economic mobility is vital. Policies promoting job creation, affordable housing, small business support, financial education, and infrastructure investment are key. Job training aligning with market needs, housing affordability initiatives, small business aid, financial literacy programs, and infrastructure improvements can empower residents to improve their economic status. These efforts foster an environment where upward mobility thrives.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"The Good Fight" by Shirley Chisholm is an excellent recommendation for anyone interested in learning from the philosophy of a pioneering figure in American politics. Chisholm was not only the first African American woman elected to Congress but also the first to run for president in a major party. Her book offers valuable insights into her approach to politics, activism, and social justice.

Chisholm's philosophy was rooted in principles of equality, empowerment, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Through her experiences and reflections, readers can gain inspiration and wisdom on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.

Whether you're interested in politics, civil rights, or simply seeking motivation to make a positive impact, "The Good Fight" provides a compelling narrative and valuable lessons that are both timeless and relevant to today's world.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, accountability, empathy, and transparency are crucial for elected officials. Integrity ensures honesty and ethical behavior. Accountability means being responsible to constituents. Empathy helps understand diverse needs. Transparency fosters trust by openly communicating decisions. Additionally, adaptability and a commitment to serving the public interest are vital for effective governance.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a potential officeholder, I bring a combination of leadership, integrity, empathy, and a commitment to serving the public good. I have a track record of collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are essential for building consensus and advancing legislative priorities. My dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity ensures that I represent the diverse voices and interests of my constituents. Additionally, my ability to listen, adapt, and make well-informed decisions enables me to address the complex challenges facing our nation with creativity and resilience. Overall, I believe these qualities equip me to be a successful and impactful officeholder who can effectively advocate for the needs and values of the people I serve.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

For someone elected to office, core responsibilities include representing constituents' interests, legislating to address community needs, and overseeing government operations. They should prioritize constituent concerns, advocate for policies that benefit their constituency, and ensure effective implementation of laws. Additionally, fostering transparency, engaging with the community, and collaborating with other officials to address challenges are essential. Overall, their duty is to serve with integrity and dedication, striving to improve the lives of those they represent.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives possesses several unique qualities. Firstly, its large size of 435 members ensures diverse representation of the American population. Secondly, its shorter terms (two years) foster responsiveness to public sentiment and elections. Thirdly, the House's role as the chamber closest to the people emphasizes its function as a direct voice of constituents. Lastly, its power of initiating revenue-related legislation underscores its pivotal role in shaping fiscal policy. These attributes collectively make the House a dynamic and vital institution in the American democratic process.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, I do believe it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics. Such experience provides valuable insight into how the legislative process works, familiarity with policy issues, and an understanding of how to navigate the complexities of governance. It also enables representatives to build relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and constituents, facilitating collaboration and effective decision-making. Overall, prior experience equips representatives with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve their constituents and enact meaningful change.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

As a candidate for Congress, it's crucial to address key challenges facing the United States over the next decade. These include climate change mitigation, healthcare reform, economic inequality, education access, and fostering unity amidst social divisions.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Shirley Chisholm

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely. Compromise is not just necessary; it's essential for effective policymaking. In a diverse and complex society like ours, finding common ground and working together across party lines is the only way to achieve lasting solutions that benefit everyone. While it may require some concessions, the end result is often stronger and more sustainable policies that address the needs of all constituents.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

If elected, I'd prioritize crafting revenue bills that are fair, promote economic growth, and prioritize fiscal responsibility. Collaboration, transparency, and consideration of constituents' needs would guide my approach, ensuring that taxation policies align with the nation's best interests and uphold the principles of democracy.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to hold government officials and agencies accountable, uncover potential abuses of power or wrongdoing, and gather information necessary for informed policymaking. This includes conducting thorough and impartial investigations into matters of public concern, such as corruption, misconduct, or threats to national security. Transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law should guide these efforts, ensuring that investigations serve the interests of justice and the American people.

What committees interest you?

I am interested in the Appropriations, Ethics, Small Business, Joint Economic, Education and Workforce, Ways and Means

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As a candidate, I firmly believe in the principles of financial transparency and government accountability. These are not just lofty ideals; they are the bedrock of a healthy democracy. Citizens have every right to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent and to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions.

Transparency fosters trust between the government and the people it serves. When citizens can easily access information about government finances, they can make informed decisions about the policies and priorities that affect their lives. It also serves as a deterrent to corruption and misuse of public funds.

Furthermore, accountability ensures that those in positions of power are held responsible for their actions. When officials know they will be held answerable for their decisions, they are more likely to act in the best interests of the public rather than their own personal gain.

As a candidate, I am committed to promoting transparency and accountability at every level of government. I will advocate for clear and accessible financial reporting mechanisms, robust oversight processes, and strong enforcement of ethics and anti-corruption laws. By doing so, we can build a government that truly serves the people and upholds the values of democracy.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Destiny West campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Maryland District 6	Lost primary	$15,880	$16,092
Grand total			$15,880	$16,092
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Maryland District 6

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 16, 2024

[show]

Maryland's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Angela Alsobrooks (D)

Chris Hollen (D)

Representatives

District 1

Andrew Harris (R)

District 2

John Olszewski (D)

District 3

Sarah Elfreth (D)

District 4

Glenn Ivey (D)

District 5

Steny Hoyer (D)

District 6

April McClain-Delaney (D)

District 7

Kweisi Mfume (D)

District 8

Jamie Raskin (D)

Democratic Party (9)

Republican Party (1)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 16, 2024

[1]

	v • e State of Maryland Annapolis (capital)
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Destiny West

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Maryland District 6

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Maryland District 6

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

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