Jennifer and Adia Cummings, the daughters of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, are backing Harry Sparks instead of their father’s widow, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings.
What We Know:
- Candidates are filling the race for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, Rep. Elijah Cummings’ former position. After much speculation, Rockeymoore Cummings announced her run for the seat in early November. She stepped down from her position as the Maryland Democratic Party chairwoman shortly after the announcement. Many were pleased that she entered the race, but she was not able to earn her late husband’s daughters’ support.
- The oldest daughter, Jennifer, released a statement explaining their support of Sparks. “My sister and I are supporting Harry Spikes for Congress because for the past 15 years he’s worked alongside our father to meet the needs of the people of the 7th Congressional District,” she said. She continued, “Harry knows this community. Our father often said of himself that he was ‘an ordinary man called to an extraordinary mission,’ and Harry embodies that same spirit.”
- Sparks worked as Cummings’ longtime aide while he served as chairman of the House Oversight Committee. He also spoke at Cummings’ funeral.
- Along with Rockeymoore Cummings and Harry Sparks, Kweisi Mfume, the former president of the NAACP, Sen. Jill Carter and Del. and Majority Whip Talmadge Branch are running for the seat. The special election will take place on Feb. 4.
We will continue to follow the election and provide updates.
