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Nov 11, 2019

Elijah Cummings' widow to run for his House seat

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Maya Rockeymoore Cummings gestures during funeral services for her late husband U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD) at the New Psalmist Baptist Church October 25, 2019 in Baltimore

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings during the funeral of her husband, Rep. Elijah Cummings, in Baltimore on Oct. 25. Photo: Julio Cortez-Pool/Getty Images

Maryland Democratic Party Chairwoman Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the widow of Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), told the Baltimore Sun Monday that she'll run for his seat in the state's 7th Congressional District.

I am, of course, devastated at the loss of my spouse, but his spirit is with me. I’m going to run this race and I’m going to run it hard, as if he’s still right here by my side."
— Maya Rockeymoore Cummings' comments to the Baltimore Sun

The big picture: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) called a special election for next year to fill Cummings' seat following his death last month from long-standing health complications.

  • Cummings was one of the most influential House Democrats and civil rights leaders. As chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, he was a leading figure in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump.

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