Planned Parenthood Advocates for D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia Endorses Delegate Dana Jones for District 30 Senate Vacancy

Dear Chair McDermott and Central Committee Members,

It is my honor to write to you to uplift the incredible championship and tireless leadership

Del. Dana Jones exemplifies in both Anne Arundel County and across the state. Because of

her steadfast leadership and commitment to doggedly fight for all Marylanders, on behalf of

the Maryland Advocates Council of Planned Parenthood Advocates for D.C., Maryland and

Northern Virginia (PPADMV), I am submitting this letter to endorse Del. Dana Jones for

District 30’s open Senate seat.

Sen. Elfreth’s ascension to the U.S. Congress leaves an incredible opportunity for the Anne

Arundel County Democratic Central Committee to fill her seat with Del. Jones, a leader

committed to raising residents’ quality of life while also standing as a bulwark against

anyone seeking to strip Marylanders of their rights and freedoms. While I have personally

had the immense pleasure of standing with Del. Jones to advance reproductive rights and

bodily autonomy issues, she has also successfully pushed back against harmful attempts

to take Maryland backwards in other ways. Her success with the groundbreaking “Freedom

to Read Act” exemplifies this commitment to protecting hard-won freedoms, including the

freedom of self-expression and to learn without censorship. With this legislation she

galvanized disparate groups – several library systems, state education associations,

numerous LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, students, dozens of residents, union groups, senior

level county officials, the 30,000+ member strong Maryland Legislative Coalition, the

Attorney General’s o]ice, League of Women Voter Maryland, health care professionals and

more. I raise this single bill and the wide swath of support it garnered because it highlights

the type of legislator Dana Jones is and the Senator that District 30 deserves.

Del. Jones uses solid legislation to solve emerging social issues and build strong, diverse

support along the way. In addition to pursuing large social issues, Del. Jones also puts forth

the solid, common sense and necessary operational legislation that Maryland needs to

remain the top-tier state it is. Establishing a Waterway Incident Notification System does not

generate headlines in the same manner that the Freedom to Read Act did—but it is

necessary for the life, safety and protection of all Marylanders. A Senator who can balance

pragmatic legislation with legislation that also jumps headfirst into the fray on important

social issues is critical to Maryland’s future as the nation navigates difficult times.

I have had the distinct joy of working closely with Delegate Jones on women’s rights, health

care, reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ issues. During the time I have gotten to know her, I

have heard her talk with conviction about these issues as part of her “life’s work” and have

witnessed her passion for giving Marylanders all they need to succeed. On several

occasions, I have seen her fulfill this passion through tangible and meaningful action.

Whether she is lending her time and expertise, using her platform to champion a cause, or

introducing and defending a robust legislative package, Del. Jones gets results for her

causes, community and the State. For the reasons stated above, and many more, I am

pleased to support Del. Dana Jones for the District 30 Senate seat on behalf of myself and

my organization.

Thank you for your time and consideration,