By Tashi McQueen,
AFRO Political Writer,
tmcqueen@afro.com
Longtime Congressional Democrats Reps. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.-02) and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.-05) endorsed Baltimore County Executive John “Johnny O” Olszewski Jr. (D) for Maryland’s Second Congressional District on Feb. 21.
Ruppersberger announced he was retiring from Congress in January, leaving his seat open this election year.
“You must move on and have other people coming up that you like, respect and that makes a difference. Johnny is one of those people,” Ruppersberger told reporters outside the historic Towson courthouse. “The factor that made my decision easy in the end – and it was not easy until the end – was that Johnny O was waiting. Johnny, you are the right person at the right time.”
Del. Harry Bhandari (D-Md.-08) and Kim Klacik (R) are among the nine candidates running for Maryland’s Second Congressional District.
“I’m truly honored and humbled to be joined by two of the best leaders Maryland has to offer,” said Olszewski. “Thank you both for your endorsements. I appreciate your belief in me, this campaign and this movement.”
Olszewski has acquired over 70 endorsements from various state and local leaders since announcing his campaign on Jan. 30, including Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Md.-10), Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D).
Ruppersberger has been in office for about 21 years and Hoyer has been in Congress for more than 40.
May 14 is the Maryland primary and Nov. 5 is the general election.
Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.