Shortly after Governor-Elect Wes Moore chose Sen. Susan Lee to be his secretary of state, Delegate Ariana Kelly, announced that she hoped to be appointed to fill Lee’s vacant seat.
Both Lee and Kelly are Democrats representing District 16. The other two delegates, Marc Korman and Susan Love, quickly announced their support for Kelly’s decision to seek the state senate seat.
Under Maryland law, when a seat in the General Assembly becomes vacant due to death, disqualification, resignation or expulsion, the governor appoints a person to fill that vacancy. It is up to the Central Committee of that political party to suggest a name. The committee has 30 days to submit its recommendation. Then the governor has 15 days to act.
This is all spelled out in the state constitution, Article III Section 13.
This recently occurred when Delegate Eric Luedtke vacated his seat to work in the Moore Administration. The Democratic committee in Montgomery County asked that Bernice Mireku-North fill that seat, and Governor Larry Hogan agreed.
During that time, several people questioned why a special election was not called.
Kelly, has represented District 15 for 12 years and recently was voted in again. She is a Bethesda resident and a graduate of Walter Johnson High School.
If chosen, Kelly said, “I hope to continue Senator Lee’s trailblazing work on behalf of our community, civil rights, social justice and vulnerable people across Maryland.”
Korman tweeted his support, noting, “I have served with @DelArianaKelly for 8 years, including sharing an office for 4. I’ve seen first hand her passion for the issues and tenacity in advancing the causes she believes in. And I have benefited greatly from her subject matter expertise. She will make a great Senator.”
District 16 covers Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, Potomac, Rockville, Cabin John and Glen Echo.
Exciting news! Congrats to @SenatorSusanLee on her nom as Sec of State! I’m officially running to be appointed to fill the D16 Senate seat. Thank you to the best House teammates in the world @SaraLove4MD @mkorman and Council partners @amfriedson @cmkatestewart for your support! pic.twitter.com/yNGwfE0pRY
— Ariana Kelly (@SenArianaKelly) January 10, 2023
