Two wealthy Democrats who were once friends are now locked in Maryland’s most expensive congressional primary ever, with combined spending exceeding $32 million—a record for a single district race. David Trone, a billionaire restaurateur, and Delaney McClain, the son of U.S. Senator Jamie Raskin, have turned their rivalry into a proxy war over progressive values, corporate influence, and political legacy, according to campaign finance records and interviews with local political operatives.
The race for Maryland’s 6th District—covering affluent suburbs south of Washington, D.C.—has drawn national attention not just for its staggering cost but for the personal stakes. Trone, who made his fortune through Chipotle and other restaurant chains, and McClain, a former state delegate, represent opposing visions of Democratic politics: one rooted in business pragmatism, the other in progressive activism. Their feud has exposed deep divisions within the party over how to balance wealth, policy, and populist appeal.
With primary results still pending, the campaign has already reshaped the district’s political landscape. Local observers describe the spending spree as a “frickin’ waste,” while critics argue it signals a dangerous trend: when billionaires fund elections, the rules of democracy bend to their wallets. Here’s how the race unfolded, who’s funding it, and what happens next.
— Jonathan Reed, Editor, News
Side-by-side comparison of ads from the Trone and McClain campaigns, both released in June 2024. Trone’s ad (left) emphasizes economic growth; McClain’s (right) highlights healthcare and climate policy.
Why This Race Matters: A $32 Million Proxy War Over Progressive Politics
- $32 million spent—more than any other congressional primary in U.S. history, according to OpenSecrets.
- 90% self-funded: Trone and McClain have contributed nearly all campaign funds, with Trone spending $20.3 million and McClain $11.7 million so far.
- Personal history: Trone and McClain were friends before Trone’s 2018 congressional run; their feud began when McClain criticized Trone’s corporate ties.
- Policy divide: Trone supports business-friendly policies; McClain aligns with the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
- National implications: The race tests whether progressive donors can outspend corporate-backed candidates.
How Two Billionaires Turned a Friendship Into a Political Feud
David Trone and Delaney McClain’s rivalry traces back to 2018, when both ran for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District. At the time, they shared a progressive platform and even campaigned together. But their alliance collapsed after Trone won the primary and McClain lost. By 2022, McClain—now a state delegate—had become a vocal critic of Trone’s voting record, accusing him of prioritizing corporate interests over working-class issues.
Trone, who built his fortune through restaurant franchising and real estate, has framed himself as a “business Democrat” who can deliver results. McClain, meanwhile, has positioned himself as a champion of Medicare for All, climate action, and labor rights—policies Trone has opposed. Their personal history adds a layer of bitterness: McClain’s father, U.S. Senator Jamie Raskin, has publicly sided with his son, calling Trone’s record “a betrayal of progressive values.”
“This isn’t just about winning an election,” said one Maryland Democratic strategist, who requested anonymity to discuss internal party dynamics. “It’s about who gets to define what ‘progressive’ means in this district—and whether money or movement matters more.”
FEC filings show Trone’s campaign has spent nearly double McClain’s, with heavy investment in digital ads targeting suburban voters. McClain’s strategy relies on grassroots organizing and union endorsements.
Who’s Funding the War Chest? The Billionaire Backers
Unlike traditional campaigns, Trone and McClain have funded their races almost entirely with personal wealth. Trone’s net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion, while McClain’s family wealth—tied to Senator Raskin’s political network—has allowed him to compete. But their spending strategies reveal deeper divides:
