Democrat
Gabriel Acevero
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Montgomery Village
Date of birth: Oct. 23, 1990
Current occupation and employer:
State delegate – District 39
Political experience:
I’m an organizer by trade, prior to being elected I worked with community and advocacy groups to make automatic voter registration and LGBTQ equality a reality in Maryland. Since being elected in 2018, I’ve helped pass several pieces of legislation that moves district 39, Montgomery County and our state forward, from raising the minimum wage, to historic investments in school construction, to juvenile justice reform. I introduced and helped pass Anton’s Law, legislation named for Anton Black, establishing transparency in policing. My work on the House Appropriations Committee includes strengthening workers’ rights, fighting for healthcare for all, and increasing funding for public education and public services. I served as the second vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and I’m a member of the executive board of the Legislative Latino Caucus.
Website: https://gabeacevero.org/
Email: info@gabrielacevero.com
Facebook: facebook.com/gabrielacevero
Twitter: @GabrielAcevero
Instagram: @gabrielacevero
Why are you running for this office?
I was elected in 2018 and I’m running again to continue the work I started.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
I think it’s income inequality and free public education and guaranteed income is how we address it.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
I’ve been criticized for being vocal and impatient about social and racial justice and I welcome it.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
My time as a community and labor organizer has prepared me to serve the people of district 39.
Lesley Lopez
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Germantown
Date of birth: Nov. 28, 1983
Current occupation and employer:
Small business owner and adjunct faculty member at The George Washington University
Political experience:
Elected as District 39 delegate in 2018
Email: Lesley@lopezformaryland.com
Facebook: LopezforMaryland
Twitter: @LesleyJLopez
Why are you running for this office?
I’m committed to creating a future where more families can thrive, the environment is protected, and each individual is treated with the inherent dignity they deserve. I like taking on the big problems with creativity and team work, so being involved in politics felt like a good fit. In my four years, I’ve led on a number of successful bills as a member of the Judiciary Committee and even fought to pass a ban on ghost guns with bipartisan support.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
I see our most pressing issues as being rolled up into the greater question of how can we recover from the pandemic as a better society? That means addressing economic and educational inequities, improving transit, and reducing crime in a more holistic way that does not fall exclusively under policing.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
I was once told I was “too partisan” in a conversation about reproductive freedom, but for me a person’s ability to choose when to become a parent is not partisan. It’s simply a matter of bodily autonomy. I’m proudly pro-choice.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
As the mother of two small children, I have a perspective that is often missing in political circles and because of this gap, our country is lacking in policies that truly support parents. I want Maryland to be a leader in showing other states how to fix long standing inequities by taking on issues that impact working parents.
Kirill Reznik
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democratic
Where you live: Gaithersburg
Date of birth: Aug. 9, 1974
Current occupation and employer:
I am a consultant and implementing partner for international development and foreign assistance programs globally. I have worked primarily with the U.S. Agency for International Development through various for-profit and non-profit organizations in areas of democracy and governance, economic growth and development, global health, and humanitarian assistance.
Political experience:
I have been a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since 2007, and currently serve as the chair of the Health and Social Services Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. I have held numerous other roles and committee assignments since first being elected to the House, the majority of which have focused the expansion of health care and social services programs.
Website: http://www.reznikformaryland.com
Email: delegate.reznik@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DelegateReznik
Twitter: @DelegateReznik
Instagram: delegatekirillreznik
Why are you running for this office?
The experience that I have gained as a member of the House has proven invaluable in my ability to deliver for my constituents. I believe that there is still much more I can do in expanding services and providing opportunity, and the next four years will prove consequential in the futures of the people of District 39. Whether it is expanding transportation options, working to continue to expand healthcare access, or making sure our most vulnerable are protected, either from the uncertainties of the economy or the difficulties of navigating the system, I am here for them. Being a member of the House has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life and I’m not done yet.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
There is never just one important issue that needs to be address, but a series of related issues and problems that need to be solved at any given time. I never focus on just one thing because every constituent is facing a different set of issues in their lives.
Of course, the economy is always a concern and making sure that we have enough affordable housing and employment opportunities available is a priority. However, whether or not my constituents can access quality affordable healthcare or transportation options, is also a part of that decision-making process.
We’ve been very successful in attracting new employment opportunities, and I have successfully worked to provide for new housing, healthcare, and transportation options. I will continue to do that through legislation and budget processes that ensure equity, fairness, and opportunity. My legislative and voting record speaks to my success and my future intentions.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
Sometimes legislating takes finesse and subtly, and I can honestly say that I am not subtle. I fight hard for my constituents and their priorities, and yes, sometimes that rubs people the wrong way, but it is not something I apologize for. I make every effort to disagree without being disagreeable, but I do not suffer foolishness gladly.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
My primary experience has been the work of a legislator since 2007. It has allowed to me learn how Annapolis works and what the best way to get what I need for my constituents. I have also spent 25 years working in the private and non-profit sectors, managing people, managing money, and managing work. This helps me to understand the needs of my constituents in their day-to-day lives and needs.
As an attorney, I am also very versed in the law, how it is written, structured, and interpreted, which allowed to me the ability to successfully work on the legislation that my constituents need most and do it in the most efficient way possible.
