Delegate Shaneka Henson has been chosen to fill the Maryland Senate District 30 seat, vacated earlier this week by CongresswomanSarah Elfreth. The selection occurred during a nearly four-hour meeting of the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee (AACDCC) held at the Michael Busch Library in Annapolis. Henson’s name will be forwarded to Governor Wes Moore who has the ultimate decision on the appointment.
The meeting, which began at 11:00 AM, featured a structured interview process for the candidates, including opening and closing statements, responses to identical questions, and follow-up queries from Central Committee members. To ensure fairness, candidates were sequestered during each other’s interviews. Following the interviews, the Central Committee deliberated in executive session before reconvening for a public roll call vote. Delegate Henson secured 10 votes to Delegate Dana Jones’ 9 votes. Robert James Leonard, a third candidate did not receive any votes.
Delegate Henson, a Democrat representing District 30A in the Maryland House of Delegates since 2019 when she was appointed to replace former Speaker, Michael E. Busch after his death. She has a background in law and a history of public service in Annapolis. She previously served on the Annapolis City Council from 2017 to 2019. Her legislative focus has included securing tax relief for small businesses, funding public housing improvements, and championing initiatives supporting maternal health and affordable childcare…