Trone plans to oppose Ulman as next Democratic Party chair

Ken Ulman’s nomination to lead the state Democratic Party will face opposition from one of the major Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.

Rep. David Trone (D-6th), who is seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Ben Cardin (D), said Wednesday he will oppose Ulman’s nomination for the position, citing Ulman’s “cozy relationships with real estate developers and special interests.”

Ulman, the 49-year-old former Howard County executive, is the founder Margrave Strategies, a consulting firm tied to economic development projects connected to the University of Maryland College Park and other state institutions.

The Maryland College Park Project is a principal client of the firm. Ulman serves as chief strategy officer for economic development at the project and is also president of Terrapin Development Company, which is co-owned by the University of Maryland, according to Margrave Strategies’ website.

“For too long, PACs, lobbyists, developers, and their friends have been able to fast track their agenda through backrooms in political parties and government because our elected leaders allow themselves to be bought,” Trone said in a statement. “I’ve never taken a dime from corporate PACs or lobbyists — and I never will because I don’t answer to them, I only answer to Maryland.”

Ulman, who was recommended for the job this week by Gov. Wes Moore (D) earlier this week, has endorsed Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) in the U.S. Senate race. Additionally, Ulman was co-host of a fundraiser in July that benefited Alsobrooks’ campaign.

“The governor couldn’t be more excited for the dynamic leadership Ken Ulman and Dr. Charlene Dukes will bring to the Maryland Democratic Party,” a Moore campaign spokesperson said. “His north star in this choice was a commitment to service, passion for Maryland, and a track record of strong leadership that will both ignite and expand our Democratic base across the state for races up and down the ballot. Ken Ulman and Dr. Dukes are leaders who embody all those qualities, and that’s why he’s recommended them.”

Maryland Democratic Party bylaws governing neutrality in primary campaigns do not place specific prohibitions on endorsements or fundraising by party officers. Instead, the rules require that staff and the party headquarters “not be used to the advantage of one candidate over another, except insofar as services and information are equally available to all Democratic candidates.”

A spokesperson for Alsobrooks declined to address specific questions.

“Angela is thankful for Ken’s support in this race,” said Gina Ford, an Alsobrooks spokesperson. “She believes he will make an excellent and impartial chair as he guides our party towards victory next November. She looks forward to working with him on the other side of the primary as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, keeping this seat blue.”

Ulman, in a statement sent in lieu of an interview, did not directly address concerns about donations from developers nor concerns about neutrality in a primary.

“I am honored to be recommended by Governor Moore and to have this opportunity to serve our great state,” Ulman said in his statement. “As Marylanders, we never shy away from that call to serve. The stakes in our country are so high right now. Abortion rights. Economic opportunity. Our freedoms as Americans. Our very democracy itself. It’s all on the line and on the ballot. Maryland has never been afraid to lead in that fight, and I plan to continue that proud tradition. I will work tirelessly to elevate our Democrats up and down the entire ballot. It goes without saying that as Chair, I will be in accordance with all the rules and bylaws of the Party. The work ahead is mission critical. And I know I speak for every Marylander when I say, our democracy is worth it.”

Ulman is not the only potential nominee for the position.

Ed Crizer, a member of the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee, confirmed Monday that he will also seek the nomination for chair.

Crizer announced Wednesday that he is co-founding a new progressive Democratic Club in Dundalk called the Knights of Labor. The new group holds its first meeting Wednesday evening.

This breaking news story was updated. Maryland Matters Founding Editor Josh Kurtz contributed to this report.

Republish