Maryland

Moore beats Cox in Md. gubernatorial race

Maryland’s first Black governor to take office in January

Published

3 years ago

November 8, 2022

Michael K. Lavers

Maryland Gov.-elect Wes Moore (Photo courtesy of Moore campaign)

Democrat Wes Moore on Tuesday defeated Republican Dan Cox in the Maryland gubernatorial election.

Moore and his running mate, Aruna Miller, were ahead of Cox and his running mate, Gordana Schifanelli, by a 59.51-37.1 percent margin with 2016 of 2074 Election Day precincts reporting results.

Moore, who spoke about his support of LGBTQ rights with the Washington Blade last month, will succeed Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in January. Moore will be Maryland’s first Black governor

“I care deeply about the LGBTQ+ community,” Moore told the Washington Blade. “And we’re always going to fight to ensure that Maryland is a state that is open and welcome to all, regardless of who you are, regardless of who you love.”

“Congratulations to Gov.-Elect Wes Moore on his historic victory as Maryland’s first Black governor,” said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, in a statement. “His experience as a combat veteran, small business owner, and CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations has provided him with the skills and knowledge to enact bold change and build a Maryland that leaves no one behind. He’ll be a champion for creating a thriving economy and a world-class public education system while keeping families safe.”

Cox in a statement he released on Wednesday said he called Moore and congratulated him.

My statement today on my call to Gov-elect Wes Moore. Please join me in praying for him and his family and that our state will be free. pic.twitter.com/mv5CJG96AJ

— Dan Cox 🇺🇸 🦅- Delegate & Candidate for Governor (@DanCoxEsq) November 9, 2022

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Maryland

Joseline Peña-Melnyk elected Md. House speaker

Family immigrated to New York City from the Dominican Republic

Published

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2025

Baltimore Banner

Maryland House speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk addresses the chamber after being sworn in. (Photo by Jerry Jackson for the Baltimore Banner)

By PAMELA WOOD | Moments after being elected speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Tuesday, state Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk stood before the chamber and contemplated her unlikely journey to that moment.

Born in the Dominican Republic, the Peña family lived in a small wooden house with a leaky tin roof and no indoor plumbing. Some days, she said, there was no food to eat.

When she was 8 years old, the family immigrated to New York City, where Peña-Melnyk was dubbed “abogadito” or “little lawyer” for helping her mother and others by translating at social services offices.

The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.

Maryland

FreeState Justice launches 501(c)(4) group

FreeState Equality will focus on policy and advocacy

Published

3 weeks ago

December 5, 2025

Shreya Jyotishi

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

FreeState Justice, an LGBTQ organization that provides legal services, community programs, and public education in Maryland, announced the launch of FreeState Equality on Wednesday.

The new, independent organization intends to pursue advocacy and policy work beyond the legal capability of FreeState Justice, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. FreeState Equality functions as a 501(c)(4) organization, meaning it can partake in political activity.

“We are committed to transparency throughout this process and look forward to continuing our work together in service of LGBTQ+ Marylanders,” said FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry.

FreeState Equality will take on policy, advocacy, and civic engagement initiatives while FreeState Justice will pursue legal and direct-service work, according to Westry.

While both organizations adhere to similar values, they will feature separate leadership, operations and compliance.

FreeState Equality is hosting its first launch fundraiser on Dec. 10 at the Brass Tap in Baltimore. The event, held from 5-7 p.m., will feature insight from FreeState Equality staff about how Maryland policy can support the state’s LGBTQ community.

Attendees can purchase fundraiser tickets on Zeffy for $25 general admission, which includes a free first drink. The organization also welcomes additional donations.

Maryland

Md. House speaker stepping down

Adrienne Jones has been in position since 2019

Published

3 weeks ago

December 5, 2025

Baltimore Banner

Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne Jones stepped down from her leadership post on Dec. 4, 2025. (Photo by Ulysses Muñoz for the Baltimore Banner)

By LEE O. SANDERLIN, PAMELA WOOD and BRENDA WINTRODE | Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the first woman and first person of color to hold her position, stepped down from her leadership post Thursday, effective immediately.

Jones, 71, has been a member of the legislature since 1997 and ascended to the top role in 2019 following the death of longtime House Speaker Michael E. Busch.

Jones held a meeting with top House Democratic leaders Thursday afternoon, sources said, at which she informed them of her decision. In a statement, Jones described the changes of life’s seasons and said she was ready to focus on what lies ahead.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.