From Business to the Ballot Box
Chris Chaffee is a longtime Maryland resident, though he was born in upstate New York. After attending Prince George's Community College and graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1987, he embarked on a career as a general contractor and small business owner, starting a company in 1991. He also owns and works on a farm in Southern Maryland. Chaffee often points to his experience in the private sector, particularly in construction and land development, as the foundation for his political principles, emphasizing economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and a reduction in government regulation.
A Record of Running
Chaffee's political career is defined by his persistence as a candidate. He has run for federal office multiple times, establishing
himself as a recurring name in Maryland's Republican primaries. His bids for office include a run for the U.S. House in 2014 and for the U.S. Senate in 2016 and 2018. His most notable success in a primary came in 2022, when he secured the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, ultimately losing to incumbent Democrat Chris Van Hollen in the general election. In 2026, Chaffee once again found success in a primary, winning the Republican nomination for Maryland's 5th Congressional District. The seat was opened by the retirement of longtime Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer.
Core Political Stances
As a self-described strong conservative, Chaffee's platform is built on several key pillars. Economically, he advocates for an "America First" approach, supporting tax cuts, ending the federal gas tax, and achieving energy independence by stopping what he calls the "war on fossil fuels." He supports school choice, including voucher programs and charter schools, and has called for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education to return control to local communities. On social issues, Chaffee has stated his personal belief that marriage is between a man and a woman, but also that it is between "two people who love each other." He is against taxpayer funding for abortion providers and believes human life should be protected from conception. On foreign policy, he argues the U.S. has become too involved in other nations' affairs and should focus on its own sovereignty.
The 2026 Congressional Campaign
Chaffee's 2026 campaign for the U.S. House has focused on tackling the high cost of living, improving public safety, and boosting economic opportunities in the 5th District. He entered a race to fill the seat held by Democrats for decades. After winning a three-way Republican primary on June 23, 2026, Chaffee advanced to the general election. In his campaign, he has pledged to work across the aisle to address economic issues while maintaining his conservative principles. His platform includes support for a mix of energy sources like nuclear, gas, coal, and renewables, and he opposes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria for public investments.
