U.S. Senate Fundraising Numbers
The first fundraising numbers of 2024 have come in for the U.S. Senate primary, giving a better glimpse of how the leading candidates will prepare their campaigns for the May 14 primary election.
Rep. David Trone (D-Maryland) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) remain the main contenders to replace outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin (D).
Trone spent $13.7 million between Sept. 1 and the end of 2023, all but roughly $200,000 from his own pocket. Alsobrooks raised $1,783,921.81 over the same period and spent $762,004.60.
Trone has emphasized spending on TV and mail advertisements while Alsobrooks has courted endorsements from countless Democratic leaders across the state.
According to Hickman Analytics, Trone has led in recent polls, with a 45% to 34% lead for primary voters, in a poll released in late January. Alsobrooks has announced endorsements from Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), Laphonza Butler (D-California), and Corey Booker (D-New Jersey): the three African-Americans currently serving in the U.S. Senate.
NCBW Lobbies on Organizational Priorities
The four Maryland-based chapters of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) hosted a joint Legislative Day in Annapolis on Jan. 29.
Chapter presidents Olivia McMillan of Anne Arundel County, Michele McNeill-Emery of the Baltimore Metropolitan Region, Thedosia Munford of Prince George’s County, and Michelle Lyons of Southern Maryland brought dozens of women to Annapolis to lobby on some of their priority issues early in the legislative session.
“Legislative Day is an opportunity for our chapters to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls, to influence those who make policy decisions, and to support their work to strengthen our communities throughout Maryland,” said the four chapter presidents in a joint statement. “We look forward to engaging with members of the General Assembly on our specific areas of focus: gun control, human trafficking, juvenile justice, and voting rights.”
Women’s Caucus Chair Del. Edith Patterson (D- District 28) served as the keynote speaker for the lobbying day. Maryland State Sen. Pam Beidle (D- District 32), Del. Sandy Bartlett (D- District 32) and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis also spoke to the group.
Women’s Caucus Prepares to Announce Session Priorities
This week, the Women’s Caucus of Maryland announced legislative priorities to the House of Delegates. Some of these issues include support for the federal Equal Rights Amendment, improving the quality of maternal health, eliminating economic and gender discrimination, and supporting Maryland’s military families.
“Throughout the interim, our members have been listening to constituents and working to find ways to improve and protect the rights of women in Maryland. We want to ensure that all women are treated equally,” said Patterson. “We believe this is the year of action. I am proud of the work of the Women Legislators of Maryland and am excited to share these key initiatives.”
On Feb. 17, the Women’s Caucus will host a rally on Lawyer’s Mall outside of the General Assembly to raise support for the Equal Rights Amendment, which would federally ban sex discrimination.
Sen. Charles Presents $150,000 Check to Walker Mill Gym
Kicking off Black History Month, state Sen. Nick Charles (D- District 25) presented a check for $150,000 to Walker Mill’s NoXcuse Boxing Gym.
He told The Informer that providing additional recreational outlets for youth and young adults is one pivotal way of addressing crime.
“As I sit through these hearings in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, I am constantly reminded that as we look at laws to hold people accountable, we also need to invest in programs for the youth to help give them better direction,” Charles said. “This $150,000 will go towards fixing this stand-alone barn originally donated by Pastor Vandy Kennedy to the boxing club. Thank you to Pastor for connecting the dots making sure dollars get into the right hands to help those truly making an impact on our community. It truly takes a village.”
NoXcuse Boxing Gym was presented a Gym of the Year Award by USA Boxing in 2021.
