Page "Wayne Gilchrest" Paragraph 4

While teaching at Kent County High School on the Eastern Shore, Gilchrest ran against four-term 1st District Democratic incumbent Roy Dyson in 1988.

Dyson was plagued by allegations of improper contributions from defense contractors and questions about his sexual orientation.

Despite being badly outspent, Gilchrest nearly unseated Dyson, losing by only 460 votes.

He sought a rematch in 1990 ; this time soundly beating Dyson by 14 %.

In 1992, he survived a close contest against Tom McMillen, who had represented the 4th District before being drawn into the 1st District.

Gilchrest won by only 3 %, largely by swamping McMillen on the Eastern Shore.

He wouldn't face serious opposition again for over a decade.