WASHINGTON–Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker endorsed Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Kensington, on Wednesday morning in the race to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski in the U.S. Senate.
“Chris Van Hollen is the best Marylander to represent Prince George’s County in the United States Senate as he has a proven track record and the greatest potential of providing every resident of this county with opportunities, resources as well as quick and effective constituent services,” Baker said.
Baker’s position as the popular leader of the heavily African American and Democratic county gives his endorsement added weight.
Thrilled to have @CountyExecBaker on #TeamVanHollen — a tireless fighter for the people of PG County. #MDSen pic.twitter.com/wSRt1u6HhE
— Chris Van Hollen (@VanHollenForMD) April 8, 2015
This is the latest in a string of endorsements Van Hollen has received from elected officials in Maryland, including Attorney General Brian Frosh and the entire Montgomery County Council.
With the endorsements of Baker and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Van Hollen has the support of the leaders of the two most populous counties in the state.
The only other declared candidate in the Senate race, Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Fort Washington, is also from Prince George’s County. She has not received any endorsements from elected officials in Maryland, but she has been supported by national groups like Emily’s List and the Progressive Change Campaign Coalition.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, is also seriously considering getting into the race. He visited Annapolis on Monday to gauge how state legislators would react to his candidacy. He also said Monday that his poll numbers showed “that I would do very well,” according to The Washington Post.
Cummings and Edwards are African American, but Baker, who is also black, has chosen to endorse Van Hollen, who he worked with when both served in the state legislature.