House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) will headline a fundraiser Friday for Queen Anne County State’s Attorney Frank Kratovil, who is hoping to move the Eastern Shore-based 1st district into the Democratic column this fall.

Kratovil is facing an uphill race against state Sen. Andy Harris, the well-funded GOP nominee who knocked off moderate Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in a bitter primary in February. The 1st district has long been considered a safely Republican bastion in the Old Line State, but since the primary several of Gilchrest’s supporters have thrown their support to Kratovil, who is hoping to lay claim to the Congressman’s moderate mantle.

Despite an expensive primary, Harris outraised Kratovil and reported more cash on hand at the end of the first quarter.

Kratovil’s breakfast fundraiser will take place at the Hotel George on Capitol Hill.

— John McArdle