By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Nelson Brown, 26, and incumbent Jennifer Dwyer, 38, have teamed up to run for seats on the Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee, District 10.
Dwyer currently serves on the committee alongside Shayla Marie Brooks, Reginald Hatcher Jr., Danny Blount, Jay Jalisi and Danita Tolson. It is not yet known if the other incumbents will seek re-election. The 10th District has six seats–three are designated for women and the others for men.
The committee acts as a local grassroots pillar for the Maryland Democratic Party. Members are expected to stay connected to community needs and boost party support—a challenge after the Democrats’ losses in the 2025 general elections nationally.
“A lot of residents told me they didn’t feel like either party was speaking to their daily struggles and that’s why some stayed home or voted differently,” said Brown, a community health advocate at MedStar Health. “The results should be a wake-up call for us. We can’t just assume people will support us because we have a ‘D’ by our name—we have to show up, listen and deliver.”
The pair will hold their official campaign launch party on Jan. 31, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Inner Artist Event Center located at 8 Music Fair Rd., Suite D in Owings Mills, Md.
According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, the gubernatorial primary—when new committee members will be elected to serve from 2026 to 2029—will take place on June 23, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“I’m running because our community needs leadership that listens, acts and delivers real results—not just talk,” Brown said.
Brown was born and raised in Randallstown in Baltimore County, Md. He graduated from the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in 2017, and in 2020, he earned an associate’s degree from the Community College of Baltimore County. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a Social Dimensions of Health certificate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in 2022.
He has supported several local Democratic leaders, including Councilwoman Odette Ramos (D-District 14), and served from 2023 to 2025 on the NAACP Randallstown Branch’s Economic Development, Education and Freedom Fighter Gala committees.
Brown listed public safety, economic growth and making government work for everyone as his key priorities this election season.
On public safety, Brown said the focus is on working with law enforcement, community leaders and residents to address crime at its roots rather than simply reacting.
“Economic growth means supporting small businesses, bringing in new jobs and making sure our workforce has the skills to succeed,” he said. “When I say the government should work for everyone, I mean making it more transparent, accountable and responsive so people can see results in their daily lives.”
Brown said he plans to partner with several organizations, including Baltimore County Public Schools and the African American Diabetes Association, to advance education, economic development and healthcare initiatives in District 10.
Brown explained why he chose Dwyer, a deputy executive director of Progressive Maryland, as his running mate. Progressive Maryland is a nonprofit advocacy organization that is committed to fighting back against oppression and promoting equity.
“I picked Dwyer because she’s a problem-solver with a proven track record and a commitment to our community that matches my own,” he said. “My running mate brings skills and perspectives that complement mine—we’re stronger together and that’s what it takes to win and to govern effectively.”
Dwyer echoed that sentiment.
“Nelson cares deeply about this community,” she said. “He’s a lifelong resident with incredible energy and passion to improve life for neighbors. That’s exactly the kind of dedication the central committee needs.”
Dwyer, who has served since Nov. 15, 2022, is seeking re-election.
“I want to run for the seat because it’s important for everyday people to be engaged with their government,” she said. “I have a background as a community organizer, and I love knocking on doors all year round to hear what residents care about and work with officials to solve problems.”
Originally from Rhode Island, Dwyer moved to Prince George’s County, Md., in 2004 to pursue a degree in Latin and ancient Greek at the University of Maryland College Park. From 2013 to 2015, Dwyer, alongside her community in Prince George’s County, fought to stop a 24-hour Walmart from opening 100 feet behind nearby homes.
“After about two years and knocking on probably about 1,000 doors within a mile radius, my community was able to stop Walmart from coming in,” she said.
That experience taught her how to organize from the ground up.
Brown said their team will engage residents, build coalitions and ensure every policy starts with the people’s needs.
If re-elected, Dwyer plans to tackle pedestrian safety, speeding, air quality, expanding after-school activities for youth and addressing legacy residents’ concerns about rising property taxes.
While Brown has officially filed as a candidate, neither Dwyer nor others have formally declared candidacy for the 10th District with the Maryland State Board of Elections as of Aug. 11.