Dr. Mariela Roca is a Republican candidate running for Congress to Represent Maryland’s 6th Congressional District currently held by Democrat David Trone.

Mariela was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and joined U.S. Air Force in 2005 at the age of 20. She is a Global War on Terror Veteran who served within the Task Force Med and the Bagram Theater Internment Facility in Bagram, Afghanistan during the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign in 2007. Mariela was honorably discharged after her tour of duty in 2010. Mariela received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and NATO Medal.

During her time in the Air Force, Mariela served as a Medical Logistician providing lifesaving Medical Logistics support to military warfighters across all services both stateside, and while deployed overseas.

While on her second deployment her mother was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage-4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor. Mariela quickly became her primary caregiver and knows firsthand how the stress and burden of caring for a sick loved one can take on someone.  In addition, Mariela understands the importance of making prescription drugs affordable, especially for life-saving drugs. 

After her military service, Mariela relocated to the Frederick area and continued her Medical Logistics career as a Federal Employee working for the United States Army at Fort Detrick supporting the DoD’s Medical Supply Chain Process. Mariela holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a Master of Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from the University of Maryland, University College.