The JUFJ Campaign Fund enthusiastically endorsed Delegate Shelly Hettleman to fill the Senate vacancy in Baltimore County’s District 11. As a Delegate, Shelly Hettleman has established a reputation as a hard-working, knowledgeable, and politically astute legislator. She has been a champion on JUFJ’s key issues including the Fight for $15 to raise the minimum wage, Earned Sick Leave, and the Trust Act for immigrant safety. Since first elected by District 11 voters in 2015, Hettleman has initiated and passed an impressive 20 pieces of legislation. Her legislative priorities for the 2020 session include enacting the “Blueprint for Education,” reining in predatory student loan practices, and innovative treatment for opioid addiction through overdose prevention services. At this time of momentous change within the Maryland General Assembly’s leadership structure, Hettleman’s appointment to District 11’s Senate seat will significantly bolster the strength of progressives working to move Maryland forward on social justice and racial equity, a primary focus of the JUFJ Campaign Fund and our partners.

Janeese Lewis George will be a champion for working families and everyday residents in Ward 4 and across the District. She has deep roots in the Ward, and is willing to take on entrenched special interests from big businesses to wealthy megadonors. She understands from personal experience that Ward 4 residents need elected leaders who will fight displacement, stand up for workers, and interrupt cycles of violence without relying on broken mass incarceration policies. And she has a plan to win. Lewis George’s bold vision for Ward 4 and DC will make her an incredible addition to the DC Council.

Jordan Grossman fights for progressive values, not whatever is politically expedient. His love for Ward 2 and all of DC, where his mother and grandmother were born and raised, shone through in his interview with JUFJ Campaign Fund’s endorsement team. In a crowded field of challengers to the current Ward 2 Councilmember, Grossman stands out because of his consistent commitment to equity throughout his career, and his plan to use his office to partner with community advocates in the struggle for justice. He’ll speak out for all Ward 2 residents and will be a strong progressive voice on the Council.