By Adam Pagnucco.
According to an email from Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman, he is stepping down and his likely successor will be Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. Pittman is in his second term and is prevented from running for reelection due to term limits. Anne Arundel is a competitive jurisdiction and Pittman has defeated his GOP opponents with 52% of the vote in 2018 (against incumbent Steve Schuh) and 54% of the vote in 2022 (against Council Member Jessica Haire).
Ulman’s email is reprinted below.
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From: MDP Info <info@mddems.org>
Date: May 21, 2025
To:
Subject: A note from Chair Ulman about MDP leadership transition
[Name:]I am reaching out today to let you know in the near future I will be stepping down as Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. Governor Moore, Dr. Dukes, and I are recommending the full state central committee elect Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to be the next Party Chair at our Summer meeting on June 21st.
Serving as Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party has been one of the great professional honors of my life. I am grateful to every member of the central committee who allowed me this opportunity, and together, we accomplished some big things.
Some of our collective accomplishments include:
Defeating Larry Hogan and helping elect Angela Alsobrooks to the US Senate – marking the most competitive US Senate race in decades.
Maintaining the 7-1 Democratic advantage in the House Federal delegation, including holding the Maryland 6th congressional district.
Beating Moms for Liberty school board candidates, including several in red districts.
Competing and winning in non-partisan races to push back on Republican attempts to win at the local level.
Having the largest Maryland Delegation in decades to the DNC in Chicago.
Raising over $5.5 million for the State Democratic Party.
When Dr. Dukes and I initially discussed me stepping down, she politely declined to be nominated for Chair, and we both agreed Steuart Pittman is the right leader we need to help lead the Party to victory in 2026. Steuart’s background as a community organizer, his experience winning elections in a purple county, and his willingness to fight for Democratic values are just some of the reasons he is our choice to be the next Chair.
I know Steuart is anxious to begin reaching out to every member of the Central Committee and I hope you will take time to share your thoughts and ideas with him on how to make the party stronger – and what is working well that we need to double down on. I hope he earns your vote to be the next Chair on June 21st.
Thank you again for the chance to have such an incredible professional experience. I have been so impressed by the dedication that each of you show every day to the Democratic Party across every corner of our great state! I will remain deeply involved in state and party politics and I hope you continue to reach out and stay in touch.
Thank you again,
Ken Ulman
Chair – Maryland Democratic Party