Maryland Leaders Mourn Kamenetz
“He was a dedicated public servant in Baltimore County for more than two decades, and we join with the citizens of Baltimore County and all Marylanders in mourning.
“Our prayers go out to his wife, Jill, his sons Karson and Dylan, and to his entire family. In the difficult days to come, we will provide any support we possibly can to the Kamenetz family and the citizens of Baltimore County.”
“Kevin was first and foremost a loving husband to his wife Jill and a proud father to Karson and Dylan. And he was a dedicated, bold leader who served the people of Baltimore County for over 20 years. I have been honored to call him a friend and partner.
“Today all of Maryland mourns with his family, friends, and loved ones.”
“Today is a tragic day in Maryland. Citizens around the State of Maryland awoke to terrible shocking and sad news that Baltimore County Executive and Democratic candidate for Governor Kevin Kamenetz passed away earlier this morning. I was with Kevin yesterday evening at a Democrat gubernatorial forum at Bowie State University. This morning, I am stunned by this news as I had just watched hours earlier Kevin passionately and eloquently share his goals, vision, and ideas for the State of Maryland.
“Over the past seven years, we worked together on critical pieces of legislation and shared goals for improving the education of Maryland children, achieving quality health care for all the state’s residents, and creating jobs and opportunity for our constituents. As much as Kevin was advocating for what was best for Baltimore County, he was also always looking out for all Marylanders.
“The thoughts and prayers of Prince George’s County are with our neighbors in Baltimore County along with the family and friends of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.”
Former NAACP president Benjamin T. Jealous, an opponent in the Democratic gubernatorial primary:
“I’m incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. He dedicated his life to public service, to making a difference and he helped to move Maryland forward. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with Jill and their two sons.
“At most forums, {Kamenetz] and I were seated next to each other because seating is usually alphabetical. I’ll always remember him for the grace and good humor he showed each of his fellow candidates as we’d line up backstage waiting to for the event to begin.”
State Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr., an opponent in the Democratic gubernatorial primary:
“Mark and I are deeply saddened at the sudden and tragic loss of Kevin. Though rivals for the Democratic nomination, we’ve gotten to know each other well over the past year plus, finding a shared sense of wit and humor, as well as a deep love of family and our great state.
“Kevin’s story of growing up in Lochearn, working at his father’s drug store and ultimately rising to become Baltimore County Executive is a classic tale of Maryland grit and determination. His knowledge and dedication to all Marylanders will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jill, his sons, and his family.”
Tech entrepreneur Alec J. Ross, an opponent in the Democratic gubernatorial primary:
“I’m shocked and saddened by the passing of Kevin Kamenetz. My family sends our deepest condolences to Jill, his kids, and the people of Baltimore County.”
Attorney James L. Shea, an opponent in the Democratic gubernatorial primary:
“Kevin Kamenetz’s passing is a tremendous loss for Maryland. He was a dedicated public servant, and I considered him a friend. My heart goes out to Jill and his family, along with his many friends and staff.”
Former Obama administration official Krishanti Vignarajah, an opponent in the Democratic gubernatorial primary:
“Collin and I are shocked and deeply saddened by Kevin’s sudden and unexpected passing. Our hearts are with his wife Jill and their teenage sons.
“Everyone’s lives in Baltimore County—and beyond—are better because of his tireless leadership. From improving schools to protecting Dreamers, Kevin worked tirelessly for all of us and his passing is a loss to all of Maryland.”
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman (R):
“I am saddened by the loss of my fellow county executive in local government, Kevin Kamenetz. We share a long history in local government and most recently as board members for the Maryland Association of Counties where he served as President in 2017. As a member of Maryland’s Big 7 counties, he was always interested in ways we could help each other and our regions as partners. Harford County’s hearts and prayers go out to his family and host of statewide supporters.”
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman (R):
“This morning we are all stunned and shocked by the news of the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Kevin was a hard-working, dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to make Baltimore County a better place.
“I got to know him well when I served with him on the Executive Board of the Maryland Association of Counties. We may have come from different counties and different political parties, but he always promoted the strengths of our entire region.
“Please keep his wife, Jill, their two sons, and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh (D):
“Kevin was an ardent supporter of Baltimore City, who was a regular in our restaurants, cultural venues and at our major team games. I considered him a friend and colleague, and admired him for his commitment to pursuing the best interests of Baltimore County residents, even while advocating for all Marylanders in his pursuit to be governor. Our hearts go out to his wife Jill and their two sons, and the many who cherished his friendship, easy smile, and determined spirit.”
Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh (R):
“I am shocked and incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. His passion for public service and commitment to helping people set an incredible example for all of us who serve in local government.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Josh Kurtz
Founding editor
Founding Editor Josh Kurtz is a veteran chronicler of Maryland politics and government. He began covering the State House in 1995 for The Gazette newspapers, and has been writing about state and local politics ever since. He was an editor at Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper, for eight years, and for eight years was the editor of E&E Daily, which covers energy and environmental policy on Capitol Hill. For 6 1/2 years Kurtz wrote a weekly column on state politics for Center Maryland and has written for several other Maryland publications as well. Kurtz regularly gives speeches and appears on TV and radio shows to discuss Maryland politics.
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