Schwartz is using the incident in a new campaign ad for Maryland’s 1st District race. The ad includes footage of Harris warning that people recording at the event could be referred to prosecutors and calling for an officer to be brought in. Schwartz appears in the spot criticizing Harris’s conduct.

Harris’s campaign did not agree to an interview request. In a radio statement, Harris said people had been brought in from outside Maryland to heckle him, and argued the forum needed more civil discussion.

The dispute continued after the forum, when Harris accused a student journalist of violating Maryland’s two-party consent law by recording him. The law applies when someone records a conversation in which participants have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Harris argued the event took place in a private room at a private venue, although media had been invited.

Schwartz said the attention has brought an unusual burst of visibility to his campaign. He described the past eight or nine days as “pretty incredible.” He also argued that answering difficult questions from constituents and local journalists is part of a representative’s job.

Harris, who is seeking another term in Congress, said his experience and record serving the district’s 11 counties would carry him through the race. The clash has given Schwartz a high-profile contrast with the incumbent, but does not by itself resolve the electoral challenge of competing against a long-serving representative.

The candidates also oppose Question 3, a proposed state constitutional amendment that would give Democratic leaders more flexibility to redraw Maryland’s congressional districts. Schwartz said he understands the national redistricting debate but does not consider the fight worthwhile in a state where the minority party holds only one congressional seat. Harris said Democrats appear divided on the issue.