The Maryland Senate welcomed Kevin Harris (D-District 27A) to fill the final vacancy on Dec. 9, after he secured the support of the Democratic Central Committees in Prince George’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties.
“I’m grateful to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee for selecting me to move forward in the process for the District 27 senate seat. Your support means a great deal, and I’m committed to advancing the values and priorities of our community,” Harris posted on social media shortly after the Nov. 24 vote. “Together we will continue pushing for effective solutions, and a better future for the residents of District 27.”
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) and former Sen. Mike Jackson, who vacated the seat to lead the Maryland State Police last month, both spoke on Harris’ behalf during the Prince George’s central committee meeting on Nov. 25.
“I know that we need a leader who can be effective in Annapolis, and I know that Del. Harris is that leader,” Braveboy noted during her testimony on behalf of Harris. “He’s a good person. He’s a great leader, and he knows how to bring people together.”
Harris, Del. Jeffrie Long Jr. (D-District 27B) and attorney Jason Fowler all applied for the vacant seat.
The new District 27 senator received 16 votes before the Prince George’s committee, while 10 people placed ballots for Long.
Fowler received one vote from the Charles County central committee and one vote from the Calvert central committee.
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and the Prince George’s Senate delegation endorsed Harris in past weeks while Long was endorsed by the Prince George’s County Education Association (PGCEA), citing his commitment to education.
In Harris’ announcement, he cited his decade of military service and legislative experience as the vice chair of the educational and economic development subcommittee as his biggest strengths.
“For the past 40 years, the people of Prince George’s, Charles, and Calvert counties have been fortunate to have leaders in Annapolis who fight for them when no one is watching,” he wrote to announce his intent for the seat on Oct. 16. “In this moment, our community requires the same dedication in the next state senator.”