PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Hours after announcing her candidacy for the At-Large County Council position, Prince George's County Councilmember Wala Blegay says she is withdrawing from the race to support Bowie's mayor.
Blegay, who represents the County's Sixth District, told WUSA9 that she will be backing Mayor Timothy Adams to fill the vacancy left open following Mel Franklin's abrupt resignation.
After 14 years in the county council, Franklin was charged last month with multiple counts of felony theft scheme, embezzlement and perjury after prosecutors say he used campaign money to pay for personal expenses.
"Mayor Tim Adams is a successful business owner who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality development, supporting our seniors, and fostering the growth of small businesses," Blegay's campaign said in a statement. "His vision and dedication align perfectly with the values and priorities that we hold dear in our Prince George’s County community."
Adams made history in 2019 when he became Bowie's first Black mayor.
WUSA9 caught up with Adams during a visit at the Prince George's County Board of Elections office where he outlined his campaign priorities.
"I believe it is important that the people have their voices heard," Adams said. "That we make sure we look out for our seniors. That we make sure that there is affordable and good quality housing for them and that we make sure we have economic opportunity."
Adams is facing off with a familiar name at the county and state level—Jolene Ivey.
"As chair of the county council, someone who has been in this seat for five and a half years, I chaired the delegation in Annapolis as well when I was a delegate, I think I am positioned to be the right person for this role," Ivey told WUSA9 as she announced her candidacy.
Ivey's campaign said she has been endorsed by over 50 elected officials including former County Executive Rushern Baker and her colleague County Council Vice Chair Sydney Harrison.
Ivey has identified improving public safety as one of her top priorities of her campaign.
The third current elected official running for the position is Prince George's County Clerk of the Circuit Court Mahasin El Amin.
In a statement, El Amin's campaign said, “Prince George’s County is an amazing place to live, work and play. To keep it that way, we need to address the realities of 2024 and beyond. As Councilmember At-Large, I will make bold, but measured decisions, find innovative solutions, and connect our communities. My vision is to build a stronger Prince George’s County, where every voice is heard and where every community thrives.”
South County advocate Tamara Davis Brown has also launched her campaign website for the At-Large seat.
Davis Brown has identified six areas of focus in her political platform:
- Consumer protection and retirement protection for our seniors
- State highway and roadway safety, improvements and beautification
- Advocacy for local and small businesses for County contracts
- Full state funding for our public schools and educators
- State funding for public safety initiatives
- Better healthcare services, including mental health care services, for all and especially our veterans, seniors and caregivers
Candidates have until Friday to file for the special election. Early voting is set to begin July 31 and end on Aug. 5. The special primary election will take place on Aug. 6. The special general election will take place on Nov. 5.
Correction: A previous version of this story said Wala Blegay represented Prince George's County's seventh district.