The Prince George’s County Council has set the District 5 special election for March 4 with a June 3 general election, to finish the remaining two years of Council member Jolene Ivey’s (D-At Large) term.
Ivey, who is council chair, was sworn in as an at-large Prince Geroge’s council member on Dec. 5 and she will be competing for the county executive special election, which will also be held on March 4.
District 5 includes Cheverly, Bladensburg, Glenarden, Colmar Manor and parts of Glenn Dale.
Candidates include: Cheverly Mayor Kayce Munyeneh; CountyStat director Ryan Middleton; former County Council chief of staff Kendal Gray; Maryland State Education Association board member Theresa Mitchell Dudley; Cheverly Council member Christopher Wade; and Board of Education member Shayla Adams-Stafford.
Candidates Middleton and Adams-Stafford Garner Support
Following Middleton’s launch, he secured endorsements from Senator-Elect Angela Alsobrooks (D), former County Executive Rushern Baker (D), Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D), and several State Senators and Delegates.
“Ryan Middleton is a proud Prince Georgian who has worked in my administration for nearly six years,” Alsobrooks said in her endorsement. “Over that time, I have seen Ryan deliver consequential results for county families on issues ranging from public safety, economic development, and health care. Ryan has the vision and ability to move our county forward, and I wholly support his candidacy for the Prince George’s County Council.”
Middleton, who also served as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, was the first candidate to start knocking doors and garnering endorsements.
“It is impossible to overstate how honored I am to receive County Executive Alsobrooks’ support. A mentor and inspiration, she entrusted me with some of the most significant endeavors of her administration,” said Middleton. “Having her confidence in my ability to serve the residents of District 5 on the County Council is a recognition I hold with the utmost respect.”
Adams-Stafford held a campaign announcement for the vacant seat on Dec. 14 at the LIUNA Training Center in Lanham, which was attended by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and several members of the County Council and Board of Education.
She has been supported by teachers, unions, and progressive advocacy groups during her previous campaigns and tenure on the Board of Education.
“We are so disconnected in our ability to advocate. We can’t properly push developers to bring the type of development we want to see,” Adams-Stafford told The Informer. “We can’t show up to these meetings in mass because you can barely get an understanding of when they are and I just think that that’s unfortunate.”
Adams-Stafford was also endorsed by State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), Council member Wala Blegay (D- District 6) and the Prince George’s County Democratic Socialists of America(DSA).
“Shayla is the right woman for the job. As a successful business owner, she understands how to attract businesses, grow our tax base, and drive economic development in the county. Her experience as a dedicated School Board Member for District 4 reflects her commitment to our children, families, and communities,” said Blegay in a social media post announcing her endorsement. “Shayla brings a rare combination of business acumen, educational insight, and a true heart for the people. Her experience and passion are exactly what we need on the council to ensure that every voice is heard and every community is served. I am proud to support her and look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish.”
Kendal Gray, who formerly served as Chief of Staff for County Council member Camille Exum, announced his intention to run shortly after Ivey won her At Large seat, creating the current legislative vacancy. His spouse, Delegate Tiffany Alston (D- District 24), represents an overlapping legislative district in Annapolis.
“I have decided to run because I possess the experience we need for the council to maintain our financial well being, lower crime and build things that make sense to us. I’m not looking to build my resume; I just want to serve the community that has given so much to my family and I,” said Gray. “My campaign will be unapologetic in putting our senior community first. This is why I am proud that so many seniors have joined to starts Seniors for Kendal Gray with their motto being, “We are going Gray in Purpose”.”
Ward Squashes Campaign Rumors, Shares Goals for the County
While there were rumors that she was a potential candidate, small business owner LaTasha Ward, who also ran to represent District 24 in the Maryland General Assembly in 2022, stated that she is not planning to run in this race. However, she told The Informer her hopes for District 5.
“While I am not interested in running at this particular time, I do have a lot of concerns in our area. Our district can do more for the considerable senior citizen population; giving them funding and opportunities,” said Ward.
She also emphasized the rigors of campaigning across a large district in such a short time, especially during the cold winter months and emphasized necessary improvements.
“We also need additional resources for trash pickup, someone who can attract businesses to bring new tax revenue, and someone who can negotiate for new development projects,” she explained.