Raj Goel

Raj Goel earned a high school diploma from John Carroll High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1994, and a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1998. His career experience includes working in government administration.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

By way of background, I was raised in Havre de Grace by immigrant parents who taught me the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and giving back to our community. Those lessons shaped me and inspired me to serve others, especially students and hardworking families in underserved areas of the county.

So, three years ago, I stepped away from my career (I was an attorney in private practice) to focus on public service, including becoming an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Law and serving as the Deputy Director in the Harford County Department of Economic Development.

Since then, I have collaborated with many stakeholders in the community to create opportunities for students in underserved communities — from mentoring and career exploration to college visits that opened doors many never thought possible. I have worked alongside local partners to bring new businesses and job growth into communities that deserve investment. And I have engaged in conversations where people felt unheard, because everyone deserves respect and a voice.

These experiences have made one thing clear: positive change happens when leaders show up, listen to people, and provide practical solutions.

If elected, I will be a legislator willing to ask questions, present new ideas, and work with people of all political persuasions–with the end goal of making positive change for our community.

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?

I am running because I am committed to being present, accessible, and active in our community for the next four years.

If elected, I will work to strengthen our schools so students are prepared for the future, grow good-paying jobs that help hardworking families build a better life, hold government accountable for every tax dollar, and reduce Maryland’s high tax and cost-of-living burden.

My strong ties to this district, educational experience, legal background, and four decades of involvement in our community have given me a deep understanding of the people and issues that matter here. I believe leadership starts with showing up, listening to residents, and solving problems, and I look forward to getting things done in our community.I ask that you “check me out” before you cast your vote. I make this ask because if this election becomes like many elections, it often becomes difficult to separate the underlying facts from the surrounding noise.

You can “check me out” in the following ways:

● Talk to someone who knows both candidates and ask them about their experience in dealing with both of us and what they know about our prior track records (after all, we live in a small community where everyone knows everyone, and actions speak louder than words).

● Learn more about me and share your thoughts as well at www.ElectGoel.com or on Facebook.

● Attend one of the many candidate forums which will be hosted by various organizations in the near future.People who know me well remind me that the current political environment isn’t particularly receptive to the practical approach I take to solving problems. My answer is that I believe one voice can make a difference.

I often think about Winston Churchill in this regard. Just prior to WWII, Churchill argued that Britain needed to prepare for war. His warnings weren’t popular, and he became politically isolated. But he kept speaking because he believed the issue couldn't be ignored.

I’m certainly not comparing myself to Churchill. The lesson I take is that you need to speak up when you believe something needs to change. If elected, I will be a legislator willing to ask questions, present ideas, and work with all individuals.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe education is the best way to elevate our community.

I want students to leave high school prepared to succeed, whether that means going to college, learning a skilled trade, or going directly into the workforce. I am willing to work with anyone committed to actually improving outcomes for our students.

I want us to invest in education but in doing so, there are two questions I will be asking. First, are we spending the money wisely? Second, are those investments producing better outcomes?

I want our teachers to be among the best paid and best supported in the country. But spending more money on education cannot be the measure of success. The measure has to be whether our students are better prepared and performing better.