About Mariela
Dr. Mariela Roca is a Republican candidate running to represent Maryland’s 6th Congressional District in the 2026 election. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, she began her career of service by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at age 20 in 2005. As a Global War on Terror veteran, she deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, in 2007 during Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as a Medical Logistician with Task Force Med and at the Bagram Theater Internment Facility. Her military contributions earned her multiple honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism medals, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal. Honorably discharged in 2010, Dr. Roca’s service focused on delivering critical medical logistics support to warfighters both domestically and abroad, always prioritizing the health and mission readiness of U.S. troops.
After her military career, Dr. Roca settled in the Frederick area and continued her career in medical logistics at Fort Detrick, supporting the Department of Defense’s medical supply chain for the U.S. Army. She pursued higher education, earning a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, an MBA from Mount Saint Mary’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from the University of Maryland. Today, she applies her extensive expertise in logistics, healthcare, and business development in the private sector. As a candidate, Dr. Roca is committed to principled leadership, championing issues vital to Maryland’s 6th District, such as improving healthcare access, supporting veterans, and driving economic growth to benefit our community.
Issues
Supporting Veterans and Military Families
I am a United States Air Force Veteran. I understand the sacrifices made by our troops and our military families. We must honor our Veterans by ensuring that essential services and care are always available. I will always fight for our Veterans in Congress.
Financial Transparency and Accountability to Congress
Serving you in Congress should be a privilege, not a payday. I will work toward legislation limiting trading and requiring prompt disclosure of all securities transactions by members of Congress and their family members. I will work to close the corrupt “revolving door” of lobbyists and government officials.
Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs
When I became the primary caregiver to my terminally ill mother, I quickly realized how affordable prescription drugs are imperative to decreasing the burden families are already facing in taking care of loved ones. Sky-rocketing premiums, co-payments, and high medication prices make it almost impossible for many Americans to access affordable, life-saving healthcare. The federal government can and should immediately work with pharmaceutical companies to establish price transparency and renegotiate drug prices to lower the enormously high cost of medications in this country.
Affordability for Working American Families
Today, too many hardworking Americans are struggling with skyrocketing costs for groceries, housing, health care, and utilities—making it harder to afford the basics and live with dignity. If elected to Congress, I will fight for practical solutions to make life more affordable: lowering prescription drug prices and health care costs, increasing housing supply to help families buy or rent homes they can afford, supporting American farmers and small businesses to keep grocery and energy prices down, and delivering targeted tax relief so families keep more of their hard-earned money. I will always put everyday Americans first—not special interests—and work to restore the American Dream for all.