Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO
Democratic candidate Julian Jones joined supporters at a watch party in Towson on June 23 after winning the primary race for Baltimore County executive.
Jones secured 40.9 percent of the vote, leading by 22,584 votes.
“I want to thank the people of Baltimore County for their trust,” said Jones. “I promise you, I will not let you down for this. People are going to learn this by giving me an opportunity to serve.”
He celebrated his win alongside U.S. Congressmen Kweisi Mfume (D-Md-07) and Johnny Olszewski (D-Md-02).
“Many, many years from now, Julian will look back on this night and remember how much energy everyone has poured into the campaign,” said Mfume. “The nameless, the faceless, those who worked hard, talked to other people, had his back and believed in a supreme being.”
He would not fully celebrate until all votes were counted and took time to acknowledge his opponents, Izzy Patoka and Nick Stewart.
“Campaigns are tough and elections are rough,” said Jones. “It takes a lot to stand up and run for office. All of the opponents really want the best for all. We certainly did not agree on the same tactics and we all come from different places, but at the end of the day. I thank them for stepping up and putting themselves out there.”
Jones began his career while in college as a firefighter with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. He later became chief and served for 32 years.
“I found my calling,” said Jones. “It gave me an opportunity to help people on their very worst day ever. I enjoyed each and every moment. It wasn’t always about saving lives, sometimes it would just be the little things.”
He is also the first member of the Baltimore County Council to serve four times as council chairman. His campaign focused on reducing crime rates, creating jobs and improving education.
Jones thanked his wife and family for supporting him throughout his campaign.
“She’s been with me the whole time,” said Jones, of his wife, Sabrina. “A lot of people didn’t know it, but she’s been my secret weapon. She’s been my rock and a steadfast supporter.”
Sabrina Jones explained to those at the watch party why her husband is the man for the job.
“We are standing on the precipice of a new Baltimore County,” said Sabrina Jones. “One that is prosperous and affordable. Julian is the man with the connections, experience, integrity, will of mind and fighting spirit to bring it all about.”
Jones has implemented an Office of Diversity and Equity in county government, helped pass the HOME Act, created the College Promise Program and helped grow developments such as Metro Centre and Towson Row.
“The people of the county, I am confident, looked at my record,” said Jones. “They looked at the accomplishments that I made for them and the work I put in and they voted for me.”
Jones was endorsed by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Congressman Mfume, U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.
Moore finished the primary with 87.8 percent of the vote, Mfume secured 69.8 percent and Bates ran unopposed.
In other parts of the state, Vanessa Atterbeary secured her name on the November Election Day ballot for Howard County executive, receiving 56.9 percent of the vote in the primary race.
