Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) jumped into the Democratic primary for outgoing Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s (D-MD) Senate seat Tuesday, setting up a primary with at least two top tier House Democrats vying to win the nomination.
“I’m announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate,” Edwards said in a video filmed in National Harbor, Maryland, according to the Baltimore Sun. “When I step into Barbara Mikulski’s shoes as your next senator, you will always know where I stand: With you.”
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has already announced his candidacy on Wednesday. Van Hollen and Edwards represent adjoining districts in suburban Washington, DC. Van Hollen’s district, centered on affluent Montgomery County, is 68 percent white. Edwards’ district, centered on majority black Prince George’s County, is 52 percent black.
Liberal outside groups have already begun rallying around Edwards. Ahead of her announcement, Democracy for America and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee began a draft Donna Edwards effort. Other powerful outside organizations have also been eying whether to help Edwards as well.
But Van Hollen, who has a campaign war chest of over $1.6 million, has also gotten some early big-name support in an endorsement by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).