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D9 Coalition Forum Gives Candidates Opportunity To Present Ideas

With less than three weeks before Election Day and early voting just around the corner, the D9 Coalition for Civic Engagement gave candidates a platform to discuss their priorities on public safety, youth, affordable housing, and other issues.

Former County Executive Rushern Baker pledged to support youth programs, including the Summer Youth Employment Program, to give more opportunities to young Prince Georgians.

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) touted her progress on reducing carjackings in the past year.

Braveboy has the support of several Council members including Vice Chair Ed Burroughs (D-District 8), and would likely have the easiest path to enacting a legislative agenda among the leading candidates.

“If elected to serve as the next County Executive, I will work with the county council in a collaborative and unified manner, to develop a strategic plan that utilizes the strengths and knowledge of each council member. This will foster economic development through positive government relations,” the state’s attorney told The Informer. “My focus will remain as it has always been, to unite and serve the residents of Prince George’s County.”

Baker was proud to attend the forum and believes that his campaign is gaining momentum in the closing weeks of the race.

“I’m glad the D9 coalition got together to organize this forum tonight. It’s very important for the fraternities and sororities to come out,” said Baker. “This is an important election and I’m glad to be here, especially as an Omega Psi Phi fraternity member and we had a great turnout.”

Bridgette Tillman, president of , which co-hosted the forum, said she was thrilled to see the youth engaged in the democratic process and asking questions of those seeking their vote.

“Candidate forums are essential to a healthy democracy, providing voters with direct insight into the policies, priorities, and values of those seeking office,” Tillman said. “The outcome of this election will also impact the youth, so it was critically important for our teens to have a voice in this process.”

View the D9 Coalition forum in full .

Baker Casts Off Campaign Doubts, Hawkins and ���߲ݴ�ý Receive New Endorsements

Former County Executive Rushern Baker’s campaign sent a mass text dispelling rumors on Feb. 23 after a robocall alleging that he was dropping out from the race.

“A desperate robocall is spreading false information because our campaign is peaking at the right time, and they’re trying to stop us,” read the mass text. 

His campaign was endorsed by the police and firefighters unions in recent weeks, and some voters have cited his forum performance as reasons to support him.

“This is down to a two-candidate race,” Baker declared. “Our internal polling shows that we are on track to win this race.”

Council member Calvin Hawkins (D-At-Large) announced an endorsement by former Congressman Al Wynn on Feb. 20. Wynn cited Hawkins’ commitment to prosperity, safety, and progress for Prince George’s as assets in his public service career.

“I am pleased to enthusiastically support Calvin Hawkins for county executive. Calvin has the experience to make the tough strategic decisions necessary to move our County forward,” said the former Congressman, one of the first African-Americans elected to state office in Prince George’s County. “Most importantly, Calvin has a humble, compassionate heart and cares deeply about the well-being of all of our citizens.”

State Senator Alonzo ���߲ݴ�ý (D- District 22) has been endorsed by Delegate Ashanti Martinez (D- District 22) ad Hyattsville Council member Danny Schaible to fill the county executive seat. Schaible described the Senator as “thoughtful, conscientious, and hard-working.” 

“As a city council member within the 22nd State Legislative District, I have gotten to know Alonzo well. As county executive, ���߲ݴ�ý will focus on improving public schools, promoting public safety through community policing and safer streets, and expanding housing affordability,” read Schaible’s endorsement. “Let’s send our local talent to the executive suite in Upper Marlboro. Please join me in voting for Alonzo ���߲ݴ�ý for County Executive!” 

Shayla Adams-Stafford Releases Poll Showing 20 Point Lead Over Nearest Competitor

Former Board of Education member Shayla Adams-Stafford released a showing her with 36.2% of the vote in the District 5 special election, holding a 20 point lead over her closest competitor. 

She also announced endorsements from 40 organizations and political leaders, including United Food and Commercial Workers local unions and State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.

“With a broad coalition of supporters and strong polling numbers, Stafford’s campaign is gaining critical momentum as the special election approaches,” read the announcement, released on Feb. 18.

However, 36% of voters remained undecided in the poll and her competitors are still announcing new endorsements and sending additional mailers to regular voters.

County Stat Director Ryan Middleton, who has been endorsed by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D), Council member Calvin Hawkins (D), and former County Executive Rushern Baker, was in second place in this poll. 

Middleton was also endorsed by a coalition of the county’s public safety unions and the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors (PGCAR).

“Homeownership is a key driver of generational wealth, and I’m committed to working with stakeholders like PGCAR to expand opportunities for families to buy and invest in Prince George’s County,” Middleton stated on Feb. 13. “From affordable housing initiatives to smart development, we need leadership that understands how to build a sustainable and prosperous future.”

MSEA Board Member Theresa Mitchell Dudley announced she was by the Prince George’s County Education Association on Feb. 7. She was in third in the poll, while former County Council staffer Kendal Gray was in fourth place and Cheverly Council member Christopher Wade was in fifth place. 

Cheverly Mayor Kayce Munyeneh from the race on Jan. 10, but her name will remain on the ballot.