MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Will Jawando, a Montgomery County councilmember, announced on Friday that he would be dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate.
Jawando made the announcement on X, formally known as Twitter, with a video and written statement. He starts off talking about how people are now living in uncertain times with war in the Middle East and Ukraine, the issues with electing a House Speaker, and Congress being in crisis. With these issues, he says strong Democratic voices are needed in the Senate.
"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," Jawando said. "Not because we believe any less in the cause that started it."
He continued by saying that the fights he talked about during his campaign are and will continue to be the fights of his life. Jawando first made the announcement on WUSA9 in early May after Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) announced he wouldn't seek reelection at the end of his third term.
"I'm proud of the race we've run," Jawando said. "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."
With Jawando's exit, there are now two candidates vying for one of Maryland's Senate seats -- Rep. David Trone and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
"I have had the great honor of knowing Will and Michele Jawando and their family for almost a decade," Trone said in a statement about the news. "Will is a remarkable public servant with a progressive vision and powerful voice. And he gets things done. While his Senate campaign is coming to an end, I know that he’ll continue to be a leader in the fight to expand educational opportunities, ensure that workers have a living wage, and fix our broken criminal justice system. I fully support Will’s fight to create a more just society for all Marylanders, and we will work side by side to make that a reality."
Alsobrooks also released a statement via a social media post after the announcement saying, "Will is a friend, great husband and father, and a dedicated public servant with a passion for leadership. He has focused his efforts on improving the lives of all of our families."
When it comes to the race for Senate, if Alsobrooks wins she will make history, as she would be the first Black U.S. Senator from Maryland and the third Black woman to hold a seat in the body.
Jawando, who grew up in Silver Spring, ended his remarks about leaving the Senate race by stating: "This is not the end - it is only the beginning." Leaving an open ending to what his future plans may be.
See his full statement here: