Sen. Michael Jackson to Lead Maryland State Police
State Sen. Michael Jackson (D-District 27), former Prince George’s County sheriff and the first African-American to represent his district in the Senate, has been selected by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to serve as the next superintendent of the Maryland State Police following the retirement of current Superintendent Roland Butler on Nov. 1.
Jackson will assume his role on Nov. 12.
“During Col. Butler’s tenure at the helm of State Police, Maryland has become a national leader in crime reduction and public safety gains. He leaves behind a profound legacy as he enters retirement,” said Moore. “And I also know Sen. Michael A. Jackson — an exceptional public servant in his own right — will build on the foundation Col. Butler laid.”
The barrier-breaker and three other senators voted against Butler’s confirmation in 2023, alleging he had not done enough to address complaints of discrimination or promote diversity within state police personnel.
Two years later, Jackson said he is prepared to serve as superintendent and “honored” Moore has confidence in him to serve in such a role.
“My life and career have led to this moment, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to take on this role,” said Sen. Jackson in a social media post on Oct. 10. “Service to the residents of District 27 in the State Senate will not be interrupted as I’ll continue until I leave to assume my duties as superintendent, and I look forward to supporting the next senator appointed to fulfill the remainder of my term in office.”
Both Dels. Kevin Harris (D-District 27A) and Jeff Long Jr. (D-District 27B) have announced their intention to apply for the vacant state senate seat. While both have constituents in Prince George’s County, Long represents parts of Calvert County and Harris serves parts of Charles County.
Long, who was elected as a Delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, has received endorsements from the Roofers Union Local 30, Eagle Harbor Mayor James S. Jones, and Pamela Cousins and Inez N. Claggett, former presidents of Calvert County Board of Education.
This appointment would require a majority vote by the Democratic Central Committee in at least two of the three counties that the district includes.
“For the past five years, Senator Michael Jackson has served the people of Maryland’s 27th District with integrity, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on his well-deserved appointment as Interim Superintendent of the Maryland State Police — a testament to his leadership and lifelong service to our state. As he embarks on this new chapter, I am inspired to continue the work of building stronger schools, safer communities, and a more equitable Maryland,” said Del. Long in a social media post on Oct. 10. “With deep gratitude and a spirit of service, I intend to place my name in consideration to serve as the next State Senator for District 27. Our community deserves bold, compassionate leadership — and I am ready to answer that call.”
Harris said various aspects of his career makes him well-suited for the state senate seat, highlighting his military service and role in passing legislation to support public schools and minority-owned businesses.
“Leadership is often thought of as a title, but the true measure of leadership is demonstrated through action. I learned this principle years ago, and it has shown up in every role, from high school to the military, in my community, my church, my fraternity, and as a Maryland State delegate for District 27A,” he said in a social media post announcing his intention to run for the state senate.
Now Harris hopes to serve Marylanders as a member of the state senate.
“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. In this moment, our community requires the same dedication from our next state senator,” he said. “It would be an honor to continue serving, leading with integrity, and working tirelessly for the betterment of our community.”
Simmons Appointed to Lead Nation’s First Economic Mobility Cabinet Agency
Walter L. Simmons, the longtime leader of Employ Prince George’s, is now acting secretary of the newly established Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility, the first cabinet-level agency in the nation focused on removing structural barriers to upward mobility.
“In order to build a growing economy, we need to create an inclusive economy. The new Department of Social and Economic Mobility will help ensure that all Marylanders have access to work, wages, and wealth—no matter their starting point or destination,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. “Walter has the experience, wisdom, and vision to lead this critical agency. And under his leadership, we will continue our work to leave no one behind.”
Simmons will lead the agency’s work to support social equity programs across state government and streamline Maryland’s approach to supporting small and disadvantaged businesses.
“I am honored to be appointed to lead this historic agency under the Moore-Miller Administration,” said Simmons, who began in the role on Oct. 20. “Maryland’s resources are vast, and our moment is now—to align around a unified strategy that opens doors to the middle class, strengthens our economy, and ensures our business community flourishes.”
Benjamin to Serve as Deputy CAO of Economic Development
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) has appointed Tracy M. Benjamin, Esq., to the role of deputy chief administration officer (CAO) of economic development.
Benjamin has served as general counsel to the county’s Redevelopment Authority and has extensive legal and real estate experience.
“I have full confidence in Benjamin’s abilities to elevate the county’s economic development. She is a highly accomplished government legal executive and business development strategist with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of law, leadership, and economic development,” said Braveboy in a press release. “I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Iris Boswell for her exceptional service as deputy chief administrative officer for economic development during the first 100 days of my administration. We look forward to continuing to work with her as special advisor for Housing and Urban Development projects.”
The Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) remains without a CEO, since the retirement of David Ianucci last year.
“You need someone who really understands economic development and how to make the arguments for Prince George’s County to be a competitor to other jurisdictions,” said Ianucci, who served as CEO of the EDC for six years. “It’s not just about giving speeches and saying what a great place Prince George’s County is.”