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Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee District 12 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

DUTIES: The Democratic Central Committee is responsible for leading and organizing the day-to-day operations of the local Democratic Party. The Committee recommends candidates to the Governor to fill vacancies in state and local offices when a member of the party resigns or dies in office. County Central Committees work with the State Central Committee, which in turn works with the national party.TERM: Four years, no term limit.SALARY: None.HOW ELECTED: Democratic Central Committee members are elected by registered party members. The elections in Anne Arundel County are by legislative district. Candidates are listed on the ballot with their preferred gender identity (male, female or non-binary). Voters vote for the candidates of their choice. The Committee's election process takes into account both vote total and gender representation. No more than fifty (50) percent of the County's Democratic Central Committee will be represented by one of the three (3) gender categories; however, no gender is guaranteed a slot.WEBSITE: https://www.annearundeldems.com

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    Jacqueline Allsup (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Rassimran S. Bakhshi (Male)
    (Dem)

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    Andriesha "Cookie" Burley (Female)
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Maggie Marie Gosewisch (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Geonta L. Simmons (Male)
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

SPECIAL ELECTIONS: When a vacancy occurs in the General Assembly, the party Central Committee appoints someone to complete the rest of the term. Do you support special elections to fill these vacancies?

GENERAL ASSEMBLY VACANCIES: What criteria will you use to choose a person to fill a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly?

MOTIVATION: Why do you want to serve on your party's Central Committee?

VACANCY SELECTIONS: How can you ensure that your appointment decisions serve the best interest of the community when filling vacant positions?

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Campaign Phone 4107336813
Campaign Mailing Address 5610 Sandy Bluff Way
Baltimore, MD 21225
Yes, I believe that there should not be a period of time when constituents of that district do not have a representative in the General Assembly. The Central Committee should swiftly act to nominate a set of candidates, and the Governor should then call for a special election to fill the vacant seat. This, I believe, gives constituents of the district a democratic say over who gets to represent them in Annapolis for the remainder of the term.
Once elected to this committee, some of the criteria I would use to fill a vacant seat are:

1. Do they live in the district? It's important that when representing an area in Annapolis, you should ideally come from that community.

2. What are the candidate's vision/legislative goals in office, and how do they seek to improve the lives of their constituents?

3. What is the candidate's background? Do they come from a working-class environment where attitudes would be represented in Annapolis?
I want to serve on the Central Committee because it is important to me that the community's voice is regarded equally in the Central Committee's decision-making process. For example, this can be the nomination of candidates who come from the community or developing new strategies to drive voter enthusiasm during election season. I want to connect, on a grassroots level, our community concerns so that we can foster an environment for effective political actions.
I believe I am the best candidate for this seat because I live in the community that would nominate the representative to the General Assembly. The potential nominee is also a reflection of me as well as the Central Committee, so I understand the weight of such a decision. Therefore, when a selection needs to be made, I will engage with other committee members and listen to community members to ensure that this process is thoughtful and transparent. Aiding in the confidence of such a decision.
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Campaign Email m.gosewisch@yahoo.com
Campaign Instagram maggie.gosewisch
I support special elections when a significant portion of the term remains, because voters should have the opportunity to choose their representative. However, if the vacancy occurs near the end of a term, a temporary appointment may be more practical to avoid the cost and low turnout of a special election.
I would prioritize candidates with integrity, a strong record of community service, and a clear understanding of the policy issues affecting the district. I believe the selection process should be transparent and include input from local residents and community leaders. Ultimately, I would support someone who can effectively represent the district’s interests, work collaboratively in the legislature, and remain accountable to the constituents they serve.
I want to serve on the Central Committee because I believe in the mission of the Democratic Party and its commitment to expanding opportunity, protecting democratic institutions, and making government work for everyone. I hope to help strengthen our local Democratic organization by supporting strong candidates, increasing grassroots engagement, and connecting more residents with the issues affecting our community.
I believe vacancy appointments should be made through a transparent and thoughtful process. I would review candidates’ qualifications, commitment to Democratic values, and record of community service, while also listening to input from local residents and party members to ensure the selected candidate reflects the needs of the district.
Campaign Website http://www.geontasimmons.com
Campaign Email geonta@geontasimmons.com
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 3467
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225
I support special elections to fill legislative vacancies so voters have the opportunity to choose their representative. If a special election is not feasible, the Central Committee should appoint a temporary placeholder who will not seek re-election. This ensures the district has representation while preventing the appointment from creating an automatic incumbent advantage.
When evaluating applicants to fill a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly, I would consider their record of public service, community involvement, and commitment to Democratic values. I take the responsibility of filling vacancies very seriously and believe the strongest candidates are those who have demonstrated leadership in their community and a clear commitment to advancing Democratic principles.
I’m seeking another term on the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee because I believe strongly in supporting Democrats in down-ballot races. The Central Committee is a selfless, unpaid role, and my motivation comes from a passion for helping elect leaders who will fight for working-class families. Ensuring the right candidates are in office helps move our communities forward and change the narrative for those who have been left behind.
I will ensure my appointment decisions serve the community by listening closely to residents and local activists to understand their priorities. Gathering input from those most affected ensures that any appointee reflects the values, needs, and goals of the community they will represent.