When the legislature returns next year, 25 familiar faces will have moved on.
Some are looking forward to life after politics, after decades at it or after just one term. Others wish to focus on their personal lives.
Several are looking to not just stay in politics, but advance. And for three lawmakers, that means going head-to-head in this June’s primary election.
“I felt like it was necessary for someone to serve and be that next voice for the congressional district,” said Del. Nicole Williams (D– Prince George’s), who is running to succeed long-serving Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th), along with Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince George’s), Sen. Arthur Ellis (D-Charles) — and 21 other Democrats in the packed primary field.
However, many of the candidates bowing out of this election cycle are just excited to experience life after lawmaking.
Sen. Pamela Beidle (D-Anne Arundel) said she’s not running for reelection because she wants to spend more time with her family.
“It was a really hard decision because I love what I do,” Beidle said. “I love this community, but it’s just a lot.”
Beidle said that it’s hard to be away from her home for the duration of the 90-day session, and after doing it for 20 years, she felt it was time to step away for her husband and grandkids.
Other lawmakers are looking to move up in the General Assembly, like Del. Mark Chang (D-Anne Arundel), who’s running for Beidle’s now-open seat. Chang has served in the House of Delegates since 2015, and said he looks forward to continuing to provide his constituents with strong public service if he’s elected.
“I really believe that the strong foundation I have been able to have been blessed with from being in the leadership with the House of Delegates will guide me in the Maryland State Senate,” Chang said.
Beidle endorsed Chang to replace her in the Senate.
“I’m very pleased to have someone that has experience and a great reputation and works hard,” Beidle said. “So yes, I’ve endorsed Del. Chang to be the next senator.”
Boafo, a freshman delegate, received the coveted endorsement from Hoyer in his run for the longtime congressman’s seat. Despite being one of the younger candidates running for Hoyer’s seat, the congressman endorsed his former campaign manager in January.
“There’s something to be said about somebody who’s done the job for 45 years saying, ‘I think you can get the job,’” Boafo said.
Boafo said that although serving in the House of Delegates has been a “surreal experience,” he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to potentially serve in the House of Representatives.
“You think about all the things happening in my district, and the effects that the Trump administration has had on people,” Boafo said, “you’ve got to get into the fight.”
Ellis said his eight-year stint in the state Senate was a productive one, where he could get a lot of things done. He said he hopes he can be even more successful on the national stage.
“I’m in it to make that difference, to be that voice for the constituents,” Ellis said. “I have full respect for my colleagues and everyone in the race, but I believe that at this point in time, the constituents in Maryland and the nation need my experience.”
Williams echoed Ellis’ sentiment, saying that she has no ill will toward the colleagues she’s now running against, and instead hopes her legislative record will resonate with voters.
Meanwhile, Del. Susan McComas (R-Harford) said she’s ready to exit the state legislature, especially given the current state of politics.
The Republican started her legislative career as a file clerk in Wyoming and joked while being honored during a House floor session this month that she has more credibility in the Western state than she does in Maryland. She said it makes her sad that there’s no center in politics, and that’s why some of her bills stalled this past session.
McComas, who served in the House of Delegates for 24 years, is retiring after her legislative term is up this year.
“I just didn’t feel like I had the juice to run again, and I didn’t want to go out losing as opposed to winning,” McComas said as she was being honored during a House session, emotion thick in her voice. “But I am so honored to have been elected six times.