Annapolis, MD – Ken Ulman, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, announced he will be stepping down as Chair effective June 13th, 2025 and transitioning to a new role supporting Governor Moore’s economic growth agenda. A new chair will be elected on June 21st at the regularly scheduled statewide meeting of all Democratic State Central Committees.
Chair Ulman steps down on the heels of a remarkably successful 2024 election in Maryland. His tenure includes successes such as:
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Defeating Larry Hogan and helping elect Angela Alsobrooks to the US Senate – marking the most competitive US Senate race in decades.
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Maintaining the 7-1 Democratic advantage in the House Federal delegation, including holding Maryland’s 6th congressional district.
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Beating Moms for Liberty school board candidates, including several in red districts.
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Developing the vision for the Democratic Party to compete in non-partisan races to push back on Republican attempts to win at the local level.
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Leading the largest Maryland Delegation in decades to the DNC in Chicago.
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Overseeing the largest coordinated campaign in Maryland history.
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Overseeing fundraising that topped $5.5 million for the State Democratic Party and coordinated campaign.
Following Chair Ulman’s announcement, First Vice Chair Dr. Charlene Dukes declined the opportunity to be recommended to serve as permanent Chair of the Party. Dr. Dukes will remain as 1st Vice Chair and serve in an acting capacity until a new Chair is elected.
Governor Moore, as leader of the Maryland Democratic Party, is recommending Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to be the next Chair of the Party.
“I am grateful for Ken and his willingness to lead our party through an intense and demanding election. His leadership was critical to maintaining Democratic power in this state and I look forward to his continued help and expertise,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “I am recommending County Executive Pittman because I know he is the right leader for this moment. With an all out assault on our state and our values underway from Washington DC, I know Steuart Pittman will put his experience and moral clarity to work to defend our state, fight back against the Trump administration, and ensure Democrats win elections.”
Additionally, leaders from around the state spoke excitedly about Steuart Pittman being recommended as the next Chair of the Party.
“Steuart Pittman is a proven leader who knows how to bring Marylanders together,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “He has the vision and the values to move the Maryland Democratic Party forward at a critical time for our state and our country.”
“I could not give a more enthusiastic endorsement of Steuart Pittman to be the next Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party,” said Carl Snowden, Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders. “I have worked closely with Steuart for the past 7 years and he is a leader that listens, that shows up, and that fights for the least among us.”
About Steuart Pittman: Steuart Pittman, Jr. was elected Anne Arundel County Executive after his first campaign for public office in 2018.
Born and raised on his family’s farm in Davidsonville, Steuart graduated from the University of Chicago and then went on to work as a community organizer in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. In that role, he built neighborhood organizations, confronted environmental hazards, and attracted private investment to blighted communities.
Once back home, Steuart coordinated national programs for the National Low-Income Housing Coalition and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) before starting his own business as a farmer and horse trainer. He is best known in the horse industry for creating the Retired Racehorse Project, an award-winning national non-profit responsible for transitioning thousands of racehorses into second careers.
