Rockeymoore Cummings challenges Matthews for Md. Democratic chair

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, who briefly ran for governor last year, is now challenging Maryland’s Democratic Party chairwoman, Kathleen Matthews, in the party’s forthcoming election.

While Democrats lost the race for Maryland governor last month to Republican Larry Hogan, causing angst among some, the party succeeded in many downballot races across the state, engendering confidence among others in party leadership.

Rockeymoore Cummings is a public policy consultant, while Matthews is a former journalist and communications executive.

They are among 22 Democrats who have filed to run for positions on the party’s executive committee, according to a news release from party officials.

“It’s exciting to welcome a new generation of Democrats interested in leading the party after our investment in grassroots organizing turned out more than 1.2 million Democrats on Election Day,” Matthews said in a statement. “As we look to the future, the Maryland Democratic Party has an opportunity to build on our successes at the ballot box this year to elect Democrats statewide and in every county in Maryland.”

The party’s bylaws require gender balance, and each region in Maryland must be represented on the committee.

The elections will be held at the Democratic State Central Committee of Cummings Matthews Maryland meeting on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. at 4371 Parliament Place in Lanham.

The names of the candidates are: Chair Kathleen Matthews, Montgomery County (incumbent)

Maya RockeymooreCummings, Baltimore City

Vice-Chair (3 chosen: 2 men and one woman)

Scherod Barnes, Baltimore City (incumbent 1st Vice Chair) Wala Blegay, Prince George’s County Darlene Cocco-Adams, Southern Maryland Allison Galbraith, Eastern Shore Scott Kane, Eastern Shore Cheryl Landis, Prince George’s County Del. Cory McCray, Baltimore City Jeffrey Slavin, Montgomery County (incumbent 3rd Vice-Chair)

Nicole Williams, Prince George’s County Secretary Robbie Leonard, Baltimore County Erwin Rose, Montgomery County Treasurer Bob Kresslein, Western Maryland (incumbent) Deputy Secretary Abena McAllister, Southern Maryland Herb Smith, Western Maryland Malcolm Heflin, Baltimore County Deputy Treasurer Jake Burdett, Eastern Shore Cheryl Landis, Prince George’s County Laurie Brittingham, Eastern Shore Chrissy Holt, Southern Maryland Akil Patterson, Baltimore City