DUTIES: The Democratic County Central Committee directs the day-to-day operations of the local Democratic Party. The Central Committee recommends candidates to the Governor to fill vacancies in the General Assembly when a democratic Delegate or Senator from Montgomery County resigns or dies in office and to fill vacancies at the County Board of Elections and certain other county agencies. County Committee members also are members of the State Democratic Central Committee, which in turn helps choose the leaders of the Democratic National Committee. County Democratic Central Committee members are elected locally by registered party members.HOW ELECTED: Registered Democrats elect two members from each of the eight state legislative districts wholly in the County. Democratic County Central Committee policy requires that membership cannot be more than 50 percent male, female, or non-binary. A voter can cast no more than half of their votes for any gender.TERM: Four years, no term limit. SALARY: None. WEBSITE: mcdcc.org
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Tana S. Crumbley-Hassan 14
Yes, I support the use of special elections to fill vacancies in the General Assembly when feasible because they allow voters to directly choose their representatives and strengthen confidence in the democratic process.
The current system allows the local party Central Committee to recommend a candidate to the Governor when a vacancy occurs. This process ensures that the seat is filled quickly so constituents continue to have representation. Ultimately, I support a balanced approach.
When selecting a candidate to fill a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly, my primary focus will be on choosing someone who demonstrates integrity, community commitment, and the ability to effectively represent the needs and values of the district.
I will consider a candidate’s record of public service and community engagement. I will evaluate the candidate’s ability to collaborate and legislate effectively. I will prioritize candidates who have strong relationships within the community.
I want to serve on my party’s Central Committee because I believe in strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring that our communities are informed, engaged, and represented in the political process. As a longtime community advocate and civic leader in Montgomery County, I have seen how meaningful outreach and relationship-building can empower residents to participate more actively in shaping their government.
My motivation comes from a deep commitment to public service and being a veteran.
To ensure that appointment decisions serve the best interests of the community when filling vacant positions, I believe the process must be guided by transparency, community input, and careful evaluation of each candidate’s qualifications and commitment to public service.
I would prioritize an open and transparent process that allows qualified individuals to express interest and present their experience, vision, and commitment to serving the district.
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LizaSmithforMD
Yes. I support special elections to fill General Assembly vacancies because voters deserve a direct voice in choosing their representatives. For more than four years I have testified in Annapolis and written publicly about this reform. Expanding democratic participation strengthens our party and ensures communities have a meaningful voice in government.
Until the law changes, the process should be transparent, thoughtful, and centered on the community. I would look for candidates with strong ties to the district, a record of service, and a commitment to democratic values and working families. Representation should reflect the lived experiences and needs of the people in the district.
I want to serve on the Central Committee because strong parties grow stronger through participation and accountability. I have spent years advocating for voting rights, workers rights, and fair representation. I want to continue strengthening our Democratic Party so it reflects the voices and aspirations of the communities we serve.
I believe voters should choose who represents them whenever possible, which is why I support special elections. When a vacancy must be filled by appointment, I would prioritize candidates with strong ties to the community, a record of service, and a commitment to strengthening democratic participation, including support for reforms that give voters a direct voice.
