A flurry of legislative appointments at the state and local level is shuffling elected leaders to higher positions while adding a Bowie State University lobbyist and a retired fire chief to the Maryland General Assembly.
Derrick Coley to Serve in House of Delegates Representing District 24
Derrick Coley, a longtime member of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee (DCC), was unanimously appointed to serve as the next delegate in District 24, a central county district stretching from Glenn Dale to Edmonston along the D.C. border.
“I want to say thank you for allowing me to serve almost 12 years, among you pushing democratic principles throughout this county and throughout the great state of Maryland,” said Coley shortly after the vote on Jan. 5. “Let’s get to work.”
Coley’s competitors included Glenarden Councilmember Cashenna Cross and small business owner LaTasha Ward, who came in fourth during the 2022 Democratic primary for Delegate.
Ward has announced she plans to run for the seat in the 2026 primary election.
“I will be filing to run in the upcoming primary so that District 24 residents can decide directly who they want to represent them,” she told The Informer. “I planned to run regardless of the outcome. I believe the people showed in 2018 and 2022 that they like what I stand for. I appreciate all who came out for the appointment.”
Danielle Hunter Appointed to Council District 6 Vacancy
A seat opened after the appointment of Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay to fill an at-large vacancy following former Councilmember Calvin Hawkins’ retirement from the legislative body. Danielle Hunter, who served as the appointment liaison for County Executive Aisha Braveboy, was unanimously appointed to fill the vacancy.
“I want to congratulate Danielle Hunter on the unanimous vote, and I look forward to her joining the Council to serve with us,” said Council Chair Krystal Oriadha. “Her dedication, vision, and commitment to our county is invaluable as we start our new legislative session later this month.”
More than 20 county residents, including former Board of Education Member Belinda Queen Cunningham, applied and spoke during a virtual County Council meeting to discuss their qualifications and goals in the role.
“I am ready to get to work on behalf of the residents of District 6,” Hunter told the Council during Friday’s public selection process. “I had the opportunity to meet with residents of Cameron Grove, who expressed concerns about economic development initiatives, affordable housing, and public safety. I too share those concerns and am committed to working toward sound policy-based solutions to enhance the lives of our residents.”
Moore Taps Darrell Odom Sr. for District 27
Maryland Gov. Moore selected Darrell Odom Sr., a veteran and retired fire chief, to fill the legislative vacancy in District 27A on Jan. 12.
The vacancy was created following Kevin Harris’ recent appointment to the state Senate and the ascension of Michael Jackson to lead the Maryland State Police.
Sen. Kevin Harris (D-District 27), supported Odom during the Charles County Democratic Central Committee (DCC) meeting to fill the vacancy.
“Darrell is not just a candidate. He is a proven leader whose entire life has been defined by dedicated service to our nation and our communities,” said Harris during the Jan. 3 meeting. “He brings an unparalleled breadth of experience that is precious and is precise for what we need in Annapolis.”
Odom received 22 of the 24 votes from the Prince George’s County DCC, while Charles County Board of Education chair Yonelle Moore Lee received 12 of the 14 votes from the Charles County DCC.
“This is about an effort of us all,” said Odom, who has served on the DCC for several years, shortly after he received a majority vote to become the Prince George’s nominee. “I know this is only one phase in this process.”