Maryland Party Chair Calls for the Resignation of Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti
Annapolis, MD—Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party released the following statement:
“While Harford County Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti has apologized for referring to Prince George’s County as a “ni**er district,” further insight provided by some of her African American constituents about the kind of political positions and actions that she has taken that are consistent with the sentiment reflected in her poor choice of words underscores that an apology and promise to undergo diversity training are not enough.
African Americans comprise approximately a third of the voters in Lisanti’s district and they deserve to be represented by a person who is considerate of their views, a champion for their issues, respectful and appreciative of diverse people, and dedicated to cultivating an inclusive economy and democracy.
For this reason, I support calls for Lisanti to resign her position.
I also recognize that Lisanti serves in a legislative body in a state where racism has been endemic and reflected in policies and politics that have perpetuated historic inequities.
Whether or not she remains in office, Lisanti should immediately and publicly commit herself to dismantling institutional racism by working in her community, with her colleagues in the state legislature, and with her state party to drive an equity agenda that results in measurable and lasting change for the better.”