Following the June ascension of Aisha Braveboy (D) to Prince George’s County Executive, a competitive race is shaping up for the state’s attorney office, with dueling endorsements for two front-runners.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson (D), who previously served as the interim county executive and was appointed by Circuit Court judges to her current role in June, is running for a full term against County Councilmember Wanika Fisher (D- District 2) and former Charles County deputy state’s attorney Karen Piper Mitchell.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D), who served as state’s attorney from 2003 to 2011, calls the office “a powerful and pivotal role” in Prince George’s County government. He also credited Braveboy’s administration for the Conviction and Sentencing Integrity Unit, which helped to exonerate some falsely convicted Prince Georgians.
“[State’s attorney] is the top cop for Prince George’s and the point person for establishing and improving the criminal justice system in the county and the state. I found it to be an interesting opportunity to enforce crimes and to implement preventive efforts to get ahead of the curb. Before someone gets shot, is there a way to diffuse the conflict or prevent violent activity or joining gangs. We also tried reentry services,” Ivey told The Informer. “All of these were things we did as state’s attorney.”
Alsobrooks, Baker Endorse Jackson
Jackson announced significant reductions in crime, including a 36% reduction in homicide and 57% reduction in carjackings, in a Nov. 4 newsletter.
“It’s been over 100 days since I was appointed your state’s attorney, and I am proud to share that crime is down in Prince George’s County. That’s real progress, and it’s a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, our attorneys and staff, as well as the support of our community,” she said in the newsletter. “We will continue to move in the right direction by protecting victims, strengthening accountability, and preventing violence before it starts.”
The current state’s attorney credited conversations with county residents and governing partners, including Bowie Mayor Tim Adams and Maryland State Board of Education (MSBE) Vice President Monica Goldson, in bettering her understanding of shared responsibilities and vision for addressing crime in Prince George’s.
“You’ve shared your experiences, your concerns, and your hopes for safer neighborhoods,” Jackson continued, “and these conversations have shaped a strategic vision that puts prevention, accountability, and collaboration at the heart of a fair justice system.”
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D- Md.), who served as state’s attorney from 2011 to 2019, has endorsed Jackson to serve four more years in the position.
“Experience is the difference between a promise and results. I’m proud to endorse my friend Tara to be the next Prince George’s County State’s Attorney. For years, Tara has worked by my side – in the state’s attorney’s office and the county executive’s office. Together, we lowered violent crime by 50%,” Alsobrooks said in her Nov. 12 endorsement.
The former county executive and barrier-breaking senator emphasized Jackson’s “love for Prince Georgians has never wavered,” before highlighting all she can contribute with a full term in office.
“What also hasn’t changed are the principles that guide her servant leadership. Principles like integrity, fairness, truthfulness, respect for the people she serves, and accountability. Principles that would make this county’s justice system one Prince Georgians can trust,” Alsobrooks continued. “These are the principles that make me proud to endorse Tara as the next state’s attorney of Prince George’s County. Not because I know she can do the job, but how she would do it – in a way that would make people proud.”
Former County Executive Rushern Baker, who attended Jackson’s first fundraiser, noted her focus on family safety as a strong trait for the next state’s attorney.
“I want to know somebody’s looking out for justice, and that is important,” Baker said in an interview with Maryland Matters. “I’ve seen her work. Her integrity. She does what she says she’s going to do. She’s going to be an amazing state’s attorney.”
Fisher Garners Support from Local Unions, Legislators
Fisher, who announced her campaign on Oct. 21 at Mitchelville’s Newton White Manor, has been endorsed by two local chapters of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
In addition, several legislators have endorsed the councilmember, citing her experience in both state and county governance, including state Sen. Nick Charles (D- District 25), Councilmember Ingrid Harrison (D- District 4), and Maryland House Majority Whip Del. Jazz Lewis (D- District 24).
“I have worked with Wanika Fisher, I have seen her fight for tenants to have counsel during evictions, craft a new criminal law statute, and create our labor trafficking laws,” said Charles, who worked alongside Fisher as a delegate.“I know she will do just that as our next state’s attorney.”
If elected as state’s attorney, Fisher hopes to improve public safety, maintain partnerships with officials across the 500-square mile county, and advocate for immigrant rights.
“My career in politics has spanned over 20 years. I started advocating for safer sidewalks at age 12 and have been involved with local politics ever since,” Fisher said in an October statement. “I have served as an assistant state’s attorney, a delegate, and a council member. I am ready to continue bringing my experience and passion for justice to Prince George’s County as the next state’s attorney.”
Piper Mitchell Seeks to Address Domestic Violence, Juvenile Justice
While Piper Mitchell is running for state’s attorney in Prince George’s County, she is not unfamiliar with the office elsewhere in the state.
She was honored by the La Plata Police Department during Black History Month in 2022 for her work in Charles County.
“Mrs. Mitchell was hired as an assistant state’s attorney by then State’s Attorney Leonard C. Collins, Jr. in 1999. On January 3, 2011, she became the first female deputy when the current State’s Attorney Anthony B. Covington, Sr. was sworn in,” read the statement of praise.
As state’s attorney, she hopes to address domestic violence, improve the juvenile justice system, and uplift victims of crime.
“Let us continue to support one another and work together to combat violence in our community,” she wrote in a social media post on Nov. 12 in remembrance of crime victims.