Franchot hints at 2022 gubernatorial run
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) says he is “strongly considering” running for governor in 2022. Franchot, the first Democrat to express interest in the governor’s race, did so in an email to supporters on Aug. 21, asking for donations.
“If I decide to run for governor, I will work for every vote and every dollar to ensure a successful campaign. As I continue these discussions with friends, supporters, and Marylanders across our state, my finance team is working diligently to raise money for my campaign,” he wrote.
Franchot, 71, lives in Takoma Park. He has been comptroller since 2007, after winning an election in 2006.
He defeated incumbent comptroller and former governor William Donald Schaefer and former Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens in a tight three-way primary. He went on to win handily in the generally election that year, and has been reelected three times.
Franchot considered running for governor in 2014, but ultimately decided against it according to the Baltimore Sun.
Franchot has clashed with some Democrats due to his support for policies of Gov. Larry Hogan (R), such as the governor’s plan to add toll lanes on interstates 495 and 270.
Additionally, he battled some lawmakers this year over a bill that would have stripped his authority to regulate alcohol, tobacco and gas. The bill ultimately passed after the legislature overrode a veto by the governor.
Franchot also refused to endorse Ben Jealous, last year’s Democratic challenger to Hogan. Hogan was reelected to a second term.
Silver Spring activist announces 2020 presidential run
Jerome Segal, a political activist from Silver Spring, announced Wednesday that he would enter the 2020 presidential race as a candidate from the Bread and Roses Party – a socialist party he formed last year.
Segal, 75, is a research scholar at the Washington, D.C., think tank Center for International and Strategic Studies and the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Maryland. He also founded the Jewish Peace Lobby, which focuses on the Middle East peace process, 30 years ago.
In a press release Wednesday, Segal wrote that his policy agenda includes the redistribution of income and wealth, guaranteed employment, increased leisure and more economic opportunities for those not in the country’s top 10% in wealth.
Segal lost in the Democratic primary to incumbent U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) during his reelection campaign last year.
A technicality in state election law prevented Segal from getting his new party certified. Bread and Roses, however, has been certified for the 2020 and 2022 elections, as reported by Maryland Matters.
Correction: This story was updated from a previous version to reflect the fact that a bill in the legislature stripping Comptroller Peter Franchot of his authority to regulate alcohol and tobacco passed.
Dan Schere can be reached at Daniel.schere@moco360.media
