Local
Mizeur raises more than $248,000 in 2012
Lesbian Md. delegate considering run for governor
Heather (right) and Deborah Mizeur at their Takoma Park home. Heather is contemplating a run for governor. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Maryland campaign finance reports indicate lesbian state Del. Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery County) last year raised more than $248,000 for her potential gubernatorial campaign.
Mizeur said in a press release before filing her campaign finance report with the Maryland State Board of Elections that she raised $155,671 between Nov. 1 and Jan. 9, compared to the $93,976 that Gov. Martin O’Malley took in during the equivalent period before he officially announced his re-election campaign. She also reported $381,249.81 in cash on hand.
Lesbian Democratic political strategist Hilary Rosen, former Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky, gay Democratic lobbyist Steve Elmendorf and College Park City Council member Patrick Wojahn are among those who contributed to Mizeur’s political action committee. LPAC Chair Sarah Schmidt and Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts also made contributions.
“In every corner of the state, voters tell me they want a governor with clear ideas for the future and a track record of results,” Mizeur said. “I’m honored that so many are encouraging me to run, and I will never stop working to strengthen our economy, protect our natural resources, and ensure that every Marylander receives equal protections and rights under the law.”
Mizeur told the Washington Blade in an exclusive interview in November she is seriously considering a run to succeed O’Malley in 2014. She would likely face Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Attorney General Douglas Gansler and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.
Brown reported he raised $1,247,811.80 in cash and in-kind contributions between Jan. 12, 2012, and Jan. 9, while Gansler netted $1,236,284.96. Ulman raised $1,139,945.82 during the same period.
The three men reported $1,633,397, $5,204,692.03 and $1,139,945.82 in cash on hand respectively.
Republican Frederick County Commission President Blaine Young raised $446,951.86 between May 4, 2012, and Jan. 9. He also reported $341,936.58 in cash on hand.
A campaign finance report for Harford County Executive David R. Craig, who is Young’s likely GOP challenger, was not immediately available.
Virginia
VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade
Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday
The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.
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Virginia
Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3
The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.
Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.
A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.
Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.
“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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