Annapolis, MD (March 13, 2019)—The Maryland Democratic Party mourns the death of former Maryland Governor Harry Hughes. Born in Talbot County and a product of public schools in Caroline County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Hughes went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from the University of Maryland and The George Washington University Law School. In 1955, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. He went on to become a Maryland Senator in 1959, the Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party in 1966 and 1994, and a state Secretary of Transportation in 1971 before being elected the 57th Governor of Maryland in 1978. Hughes served the state of Maryland in many different roles following his two terms in office, including as a member of the Maryland Board of Regents, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission, and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Board of Directors.
Following this announcement, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, released the following statement:
“Governor Hughes’ life and career was a testament to his leadership, judgement, and commitment to making Maryland the best place to live, work, and conduct business. As a two-time former Maryland Democratic Party Chair, we especially honor his contributions to building our Party and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”