Connect with us

Maryland

Evan Glass running for Montgomery County executive

Former journalist would be first gay person to hold office

Published

on

Montgomery County Councilman Evan Glass. (Photo courtesy of Evan Glass)

Evan Glass is running for Montgomery County executive.

He is currently serving his second term as an at-large member of the Montgomery County Council.

Glass has been a councilman since 2018; he is the first openly gay person to hold a seat on the council. Glass has also been its president and vice president. He is now running to succeed incumbent County Executive Marc Elrich, who has reached the end of his two-term limit.

Glass on Wednesday announced he is entering the race for county executive, which, if elected, would make him the first openly gay person to lead Montgomery County’s executive office.

In an email to the Washington Blade, Glass outlined key campaign priorities, including standing up to President Donald Trump and his “aspiring oligarchs,” supporting vulnerable members of the Montgomery County community as federal budgets are slashed, and protecting residents’ quality of life by ensuring that “Montgomery County remains a place where people can afford to live, raise their families, and retire with security.”

Glass is holding a campaign launch event on March 22 at 11:30 a.m. at 7 Locks Brewing in Rockville to officially kick off his bid for county executive, outline his campaign platform, and connect with supporters.

Over the past seven years, Glass has served on several key committees within the Montgomery County Council. These include the Transportation and Environment Committee, where he has worked to implement policies benefiting both public transit users and the environment, and the Economic Development Committee, which focuses on fostering and sustaining economic growth in Montgomery County.

In addition to his committee work, Glass spearheaded the creation of the Anti-Hate Task Force, which aims to “prioritize policies that promote safety and combat hate crimes” for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ residents. He also helped organize the county’s first Pride celebrations.

During his tenure, Glass has worked to reduce housing costs in Montgomery County by passing legislation to make it more affordable to build and rent homes, particularly near public transportation. He has also championed policies to address the climate crisis, including securing funding for clean energy initiatives.

Glass has helped pass numerous laws to expand grant opportunities for entrepreneurs, ensure fair wages, and increase oversight, and transparency within Montgomery County Public Schools. He also led efforts to expand the county council from nine to 11 members.

Before entering Montgomery County politics, Glass spent 12 years as a journalist for CNN, covering national politics.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Maryland

FreeState Justice launches 501(c)(4) group

FreeState Equality will focus on policy and advocacy

Published

on

(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.

Continue Reading

Maryland

Md. House speaker stepping down

Adrienne Jones has been in position since 2019

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Maryland

Harford school board appeals state’s book ban decision to circuit court

5-2 ruling in response to ‘Flamer’ directive

Published

on

The book “Flamer” is by Mike Curato, who wrote about his experience being bullied as a kid for being gay. (Photo by Kristen Griffith for the Baltimore Banner)

By KRISTEN GRIFFITH | Marking a historic moment in Maryland’s debate over school library censorship, Harford County’s school board voted Thursday to appeal the state’s unprecedented decision overturning its ban of a young adult graphic novel, pushing the dispute into circuit court.

The 5-2 vote followed a recent ruling from the state board overturning Harford’s ban of the book “Flamer.” In a special meeting Thursday afternoon, board members weighed whether to seek reconsideration or take the matter to circuit court — ultimately opting to appeal.

The book “Flamer” is by Mike Curato, who wrote about his experience being bullied as a kid for being gay.

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

Continue Reading

Popular