MoCo Councilmember Will Jawando Drops Out of U.S. Senate Race

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando announced today that he is dropping out of the U.S. Senate race. Jawando announced in May that he was launching a campaign for the U.S. Senate after Senator Ben Cardin, Maryland’s senior senator and Chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, announced that he would not seek re-election at the end of his term. Jawando’s full statement can be seen below (including a video):

“We are all living through such uncertain times. War is raging in the Middle East and Ukraine. Everyday Americans are not sure whether they can afford to keep a roof over their head or food on the table. Our Congress is meeting crisis with chaos and is paralyzed by far-right extremists. MAGA Republicans keep trying to elevate hard right election deniers to Speaker all while marching lockstep behind Donald Trump, a man who is running for president on a platform of revenge in a party that welcomes that with open arms. Now more than ever we need strong Democratic voices in the Senate. That’s why I got into this race.

However, after a lot of thought and prayer and late nights with my wife Michele, I’ve decided that it’s time to take a step back from the race. Not because we believe any less in the cause that started it. The fights we talked about in this campaign are and always will be the fights of my life. But after thinking long and hard about this race in particular, I frankly no longer see a path for myself to victory. And because I have so much respect for my loyal supporters, my constituents in Montgomery County, and my loving wife and children, I cannot remain in a race I do not believe I can win. I am sorry for those who will find this news disappointing – believe me, I am also disappointed. But I am not going anywhere! I will continue serving the people of Maryland no matter what.

I’m proud of the race we’ve run. At the core of my campaign has always been this commitment: to build a shared prosperity that lifts everybody up, no matter who you are or where you come from.

This is what we’ve done each and every day on the trail. We’ve championed bold ideas – enacting Universal Basic Income, raising the minimum wage, creating Medicare for All, reforming the criminal justice system – and so many others. We’ve met so many wonderful people all across the state and learned their struggles. It’s been an honor to be in this race and learn more about the daily lives of so many working families across Maryland.

Our supporters have worked tirelessly on behalf of my candidacy and I could not be more thankful for them. From $1 to $200, every dollar donated has made a huge difference and means the world to me. I am inspired that people from all walks of life found time in their very busy lives to put their faith in me, and for them, I will be eternally grateful.

I am so grateful to the volunteers who stood next to me, whether it was in the rain or 100 degree weather. Thank you so much. To the elected officials and leaders across our state who put their faith in our vision for the state: I am so proud to have earned your support. I look forward to fighting alongside you each and every day. Thank you again to every supporter of my campaign, it truly means the world to me that you believed in me, my message, and our vision. This is not the end – it is only the beginning.”

An important announcement about my U.S. Senate campaign. pic.twitter.com/UPZMD2JZdE

— Will Jawando (@willjawando) October 20, 2023