Rep. David J. Trone (D-Md.) urged Maryland Democrats to choose fellow Congressman Anthony G. Brown in next year’s race for state Attorney General.
In a statement provided first to Maryland Matters, Trone praised Brown for his “compassion, competency, and civility.”
“As a legislator and as Lt. Governor, Anthony has been a champion for quality, affordable health care for all, emphasizing the importance of mental and behavioral health which underlies so many problems in our communities,” Trone said. “He recognizes that for too long we’ve ignored the immense hardship the opioid epidemic has had on our communities, particularly in Western Maryland.”
The endorsement from a Maryland delegation colleague is the second that Brown has received since announcing his bid for attorney general on Monday.
The AFRO reported on Thursday that Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D) is also backing Brown.
Trone represents Western Maryland, as well as parts of Frederick and Montgomery counties. Mfume’s district includes much of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard.
Brown, who has represented portions of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel since 2017, was the first elected official to launch a campaign after Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) announced his decision not to seek a third term.
State Sen. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery) has said he is “seriously” exploring a bid for attorney general but has yet to announce his plans.
The Baltimore Sun reported on Wednesday that Catherine “Katie” Curran O’Malley (D) is stepping down as a Baltimore City judge and is seriously considering a bid as well.
If Curran O’Malley joins the race, it would set up an intriguing battle between former Gov. Martin O’Malley’s wife and the man who served as his lieutenant governor.
Former federal prosecutor James F. Shalleck, a Montgomery County Republican, announced his candidacy in July.
In a statement released Friday, Mfume called Brown “a champion for civil rights, justice and equality,”
“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside him to empower communities and protect those who are too often taken advantage of,” he said. “Whether the issue is fraud, consumer protection or white collar crime, Anthony is a fighter, and he fights for the people and not the privileged few. He is committed to equality, justice and uplifting each of us in order to protect our legal right to be safe and secure.”
Brown served as lieutenant governor from 2007 to 2015. He is a former member of the House of Delegates. His won the gubernatorial primary in 2014 but lost in the general to Republican Larry Hogan.
Bruce DePuyt
Reporter
Bruce DePuyt is a contributor to Maryland Matters, where he was a full-time reporter until December 2022. Previously, DePuyt spent nearly three decades on local television, including 14 years as producer and host of “NewsTalk” on NewsChannel 8 in the Washington, D.C., region. He was a reporter and anchor on “News 21” in Montgomery, where he also served as producer and host of “21 This Week.” He then became a reporter and anchor at NBC affiliate WVIR in Charlottesville, Va. He appears occasionally on WTOP (103.5 FM), WAMU (88.5 FM) and MPT.
Related Articles
Unpublicized City Council vote picks Baltimore company to be the casino operator in Petersburg, south of Richmond along Interstate 95.
“We need to stop allowing our worst instincts to drive the conversation,” said House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County).
When there’s a crisis such as the collapse of the Key Bridge and other major events, food support networks such as the Maryland Food Bank try to stay ready to help.
Creative Commons Attribution