Candidate forums this week; endorsements made; former Prince George's County executive suspends campaign

Local organization hosts forum with judge candidates

The Voices for Washington County, a local organization, is hosting a candidate forum for the Washington County District Court judge candidates.

Judge Joe Michael was appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan after Judge Daniel P. Dwyer announced his retirement in March. He seeks to run officially for county district court judge. Adam Greivell of Greivell and Garrett Johnson, LLC, is a local attorney in Hagerstown.

The candidate forum will be at Tony's Pizza on Pennsylvania Avenue north of Hagerstown, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 13.

County chamber of commerce hosts election event

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "Decision 22 - Meet the Candidates for County Commissioner" event to give an opportunity to discuss key matters with candidates running for county commissioner, according to a news release by the chamber.

The event will be held at the Washington County Free Library on 100 S. Potomac St. in Hagerstown, Wednesday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Former Prince George's County executive suspends gubernatorial campaign

Rushern Baker, former executive for Prince George's County, announced that he is suspending activities for his 2022 gubernatorial campaign due to "financial challenges."

"Having considered the financial challenges facing our campaign in the coming weeks, my running mate, Nancy Navarro, and I have made the difficult, yet necessary decision to suspend our campaign activities ... effective immediately," Baker said in a news release.

He added that despite being outspent by his competitors, his campaign has polled near the top of the Democratic primary field, "a reflection of the efficient way we have managed our campaign, and a validation of the ideas we have presented to the people of our great state."

Democratic candidate for Maryland governor Wes Moore said in a news release that he commends Baker on his "leadership, integrity and fundamental decency he has exhibited throughout not only this campaign, but for his entire career in public service."

"I am deeply proud to call him a friend," Moore said.

Former Attorney General Doug Gansler, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, said in a news release that he was disappointed to see Baker suspend his run for governor, as he is "eminently qualified to be governor."

"Rushern's integrity and equanimity are qualities every candidate should strive for," Gansler said.

Baker said in a news release that he would remain engaged in Maryland's political process and that he is reserving the right to reactivate his political activities "and in the coming weeks, we will have a more permanent decision to share."

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Maryland comptroller candidate's policy agenda focuses on accountable and equitable government

Tim Adams, Bowie mayor and Democratic nominee for comptroller in Maryland's upcoming election, released his policy platform — detailing his priorities as comptroller.

"Despite being one of the wealthiest states in the wealthiest country, we still have far too much poverty and inequity within Maryland," Adams said in a news release. "Taxpayers are paying more and with little progress on the things that impact their daily lives.

"As comptroller, my focus will be on ensuring corporations pay their fair share, making it possible for hardworking families to receive every benefit they need to survive as costs rise and finding new revenue streams to make critical investments in education."

Adams also announced an endorsement from SEIU Local 400 PG, a labor union from Prince George's County.

"I'm grateful to have the support of SEIU Local 400 PG and many others who share my vision for a more equitable and accountable government," he said.

Local delegation members get Maryland Farm Bureau endorsement

The Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee has announced several endorsements for Maryland's upcoming primary election — including several Washington County delegation members.

"There is very real support needed to run for office," said Michael Calkins, chair of the Maryland Farm Bureau PAC, in a news release. "So when a candidate who wants to do what's best for farmers steps up, we need to help them get elected. These candidates have a track record of standing up for laws preserving our rural or agriculture livelihoods."

The local Washington County candidates who are endorsed include:

• Del. Mike McKay, R-Allegany/Washington, for his run for state Senate in District 1.

• Sen. Paul Corderman, R-Washington, for his run for state Senate in District 2.

• Terry Baker, vice president for the Washington County Commissioners, for his run for House delegate in District 1C.

• Del. Bill Wivell, R-Washington, for his run for House delegate in District 2A.

• Del. Brenda Thiam, R-Washington, for her run for House delegate in District 2B.

AFL-CIO announces endorsements for local races in upcoming election

The Committee on Political Education — of the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO — announced several endorsements for the primary election in Maryland.

Included in the list are U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-6th, and House of Delegates candidate Carrie Hinton of Hagerstown. Trone has served as congressman in Maryland's 6th District since 2019. Hinton is the lone Democrat running for District 1C in the primary election.

County Democratic Central Committee hosts volunteer information and training meeting

The Washington County Democratic Central Committee announced that it will be hosting a free information and training meeting for volunteers to help increase voter registration and outreach.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, at the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown.

For questions, contact Angela Yamashita at admin@wcdccmd.com.

Local candidate awarded by gun violence prevention organization and endorsed by labor association

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a national organization founded after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, has awarded Democratic candidate for Washington County commissioner Sterling Sanders the 2022 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction.

A news release by Sanders states, "the Gun Sense Candidate distinction is not an endorsement. Instead, it is a signal to voters that a candidate advocates for gun violence prevention."

"If elected to county commissioner, I will be committed to organizing community input groups to develop strategies to combat gun violence and to develop gun violence prevention initiatives," Sanders said in the news release. "We must come together as a collective community and hear concerns from local law enforcement, community members, business owners, government officials and gun-safety advocates."

The Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, an association of labor unions in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, has announced its endorsement of Sanders as well.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Meet commissioner and judge candidates June 15 and June 13