A congressman and a governor: How’s that for a political power couple?
Maya Rockeymoore, married to U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings since 2008, is reportedly considering a run for the State House next year. She’s currently the president of Global Policy Solutions, a D.C.-based policy consulting firm.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Rockeymoore said she’s considering a gubernatorial run as a chance to influence health care policy in her home state as Republican lawmakers in D.C. seek to overhaul the nation’s health care system. The ongoing health care debate shows GOP members of Congress aren’t factoring in the needs of women, children and minorities, she said.
“We’re afraid of this leadership. We think that it’s failed leadership, and we deserve better,” she was quoted as saying. “I’m referring to (President Donald) Trump, Hogan, the GOP in Congress. I’m putting them all together.”
Rockeymoore’s areas of expertise include health, social insurance, income security, education, women’s issues and youth civic participation, according to her company bio. She’s worked as an adjunct professor at American University’s Women in Politics Institute, as well as in high-up positions with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the National Urban League and various Democratic congressional offices on Capitol Hill.
Rockeymoore would be challenging five others (so far) for the Democratic nomination. She’d also be among a number of candidates who haven’t previously served in elected office, including ex-NAACP president Ben Jealous, tech entrepreneur and former Hillary Clinton aide Alec Ross, and Baltimore attorney Jim Shea.
Her political institution competition (again, so far) would include state Sen. Richard Madaleno of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III. Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, U.S. Rep. John Delaney and former Attorney General Douglas Gansler are all still rumored to be considering runs as well.
Their competition, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, didn’t let his lack of experience in elected office stop him from becoming governor, though he did serve in the Ehrlich administration and is the son of a former congressman. Hogan has managed to stay favorable in heavily Democratic Maryland more than halfway through his term. A new poll released yesterday pegged his approval rating in the state at 68 percent.
Here’s a clip from Rockeymoore’s consulting firm with her talking about fixing the racial wealth gap in America:
