Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Widow of Elijah Cummings, Will Run for Congress
Source: New York Times
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, a policy consultant and chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, will run for the congressional seat vacated by her husband, Representative Elijah E. Cummings, who died last month. I am, of course, devastated at the loss of my spouse, but his spirit is with me, she told The Baltimore Sun on Monday. Im going to run this race and Im going to run it hard, as if hes still right here by my side.
Mr. Cummings, who died in October at age 68, had represented Baltimores Seventh Congressional District for 13 terms beginning in 1996, and rose to become among the Houses most powerful Democrats. Mr. Cummings was a leading Democrat in the impeachment investigation of President Trump, and his funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, many who praised him as a champion of civil rights and working people.
Ms. Rockeymoore Cummings, 48, who founded the consulting firm Global Policy Solutions, said she would resign as chair of the state party, a role she held for a year. She ran for governor of Maryland in 2017 but dropped out in January 2018, citing Mr. Cummingss failing health. Ms. Rockeymoore Cummings holds a doctorate in political science from Purdue University, and was a legislative aide on Capitol Hill, at the National Urban League and for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Mr. Cummings told her six months ago that he wanted her to take over his seat, she said on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show on Monday. Ms. Rockeymoore Cummings said she had fought right alongside Elijah for the last 12 years. I believe very strongly that I have the background, and the focus, and the commitment, and the ability to take the reins and to make a good run for this seat, she said. A special election is planned for April 28, 2020, with primaries on Feb. 4. Several Democrats have already announced plans to run for the seat.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/12/us/politics/maya-rockeymoore-cummings-congress.html
There are a number of folks planning to run for this seat as previously reported, including former congressman Kweisi Mfume, when at the time, she had also been considering it too, so now she appears set to do it officially.
Scarsdale
(9,426 posts)So sad that we all lost Elijah. He was one of a kind, no doubt about that.
If he were less the exception than the rule, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in right now.
FakeNoose
(32,634 posts)Please carry on the good fight, Ms. Rockymoore Cummings!
True Blue American
(17,984 posts)That she carry on for her well loved, admired Husband! I bet he is smiling.
Hulk
(6,699 posts)She seems very articulate and intelligent. Her deceased husband was a pillar in congress. I hope she can continue his legacy.
meow2u3
(24,761 posts)I have a feeling that Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is going to end up winning that race. She'll be seen as carrying on her late husband Elijah's legacy of decency and integrity. Best of luck to you, Maya.
Bayard
(22,063 posts)That she was having a double mastectomy this week, as a precaution against heredity.
This woman has GUTS!
dlk
(11,561 posts)Shes a fighter and we would all be fortunate to have her serve in the House.