By Adam Pagnucco.
Three District 39 state legislators are teaming up with a sitting Gaithersburg City Council Member on a high-stakes mission. Their goal: take out Delegate Gabe Acevero.
Inside MoCo’s political establishment, Acevero may be the county’s most hated elected official. That’s right, he could beat out County Executive Marc Elrich for this prize because there is a difference between white-hot hatred and simmering contempt. Acevero doesn’t simply defy other electeds – he enrages them by denouncing them over issues like Gaza and Israel, he embarrasses them by ranting about the alleged patriotic duty to pay taxes and he causes problems for himself by getting sued repeatedly for not paying rent and brawling in a parking lot with a former opponent. He is also detested by his former employer, MCGEO, by opposing them on public safety.
Maryland Democrat Gabe Acevero said the most patriotic thing you can do is “pay your taxes & pay your fair share.” @mddems constantly redefine the definition of ‘fair share’. pic.twitter.com/qnYva5cB4V
— Mark Fisher (@fisher4maryland) March 26, 2025
Acevero to Marylanders: pay up!
MCGEO and the other District 39 incumbents tried and failed to take out Acevero three years ago, but his weak fundraising has apparently emboldened his colleagues to try again. Long-time Senator Nancy King, Delegate Lesley Lopez and appointed Delegate Greg Wims are slating with Gaithersburg City Council Member Rob Wu to evict Acevero from Annapolis. We shall see if they have more success than Acevero’s landlord. The slate’s press release appears below.
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For Immediate Release:
10.10.2025
DEMOCRATIC TEAM FILES FOR DISTRICT 39 STATE SEATS
Incumbents Sen. King and Dels. Lopez and Wims slate with Gaithersburg Council Member Robert Wu
Montgomery Village, MD: Today, Senator Nancy J. King filed for reelection along with Delegates Lesley J. Lopez and Greg Wims, bringing on to the Team 39 slate Gaithersburg Council Member Robert Wu. This team represents a broad set of skills, lived experiences and perspectives that will continue to serve the up county communities in District 39.
Senator King said, “I’m honored to officially file for reelection and continue my commitment to the residents of District 39 whose voices and needs remain at the center of my work. In these very challenging times, I stand ready to carry on my efforts to ensure that all members of our community are supported, safeguarded and valued. I look forward to working alongside this committed team of public servants to achieve the goals that reflect our shared dedication to District 39 and the State of Maryland.”
Delegate Lesley J Lopez said, “When the federal government’s chaos continues to jeopardize the livelihood of our residents, it’s critical that state legislatures meet the moment. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish for the residents of my district and with their continued trust, I’ll keep on fighting for federal workers, seniors, immigrants, and all of the working families who make the upcounty their home.”
Delegate Greg Wims said, “Representing my ancestral home is the honor of a lifetime. With 50 years of volunteer service, it’s an honor to join this team and be on the ballot next June. My continued priorities will be education, gun violence prevention and mental health.”
Robert Wu, in his tenth year of service on the Gaithersburg City Council said, “It has been a great honor to serve the residents of Gaithersburg, and Nancy, Lesley and Greg have been there every step of the way. The prospect of running with this team of leaders who truly care about our community is humbling. We have a lot of challenges confronting us, and having an experienced team that works well together is important!”
Bios:
Serving the Maryland statehouse since 2003, Senator Nancy J. King serves as the Senate Majority leader and chairs the Education, Business, and Administration Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee. She has authored hundreds of pieces of legislation and has brought millions of dollars in investments in District D39 and Montgomery County. With a track record of integrity and results, Senator King is a longtime resident of Montgomery Village, running for re-election to continue delivering real progress for the people of District 39.
Germantown’s Delegate Lesley J. Lopez is seeking re-election to continue fighting for the values and priorities of D39. During her tenure, Lopez has helped pass landmark legislation on public safety and gun violence prevention, built community partnerships that transcend politics, and earned a reputation as one of the legislature’s most trusted voices on women’s healthcare. Serving as Deputy Majority Whip, she is also a university professor and mother of two young boys.
Ways and Means Committee member Delegate Greg Wims is a sixth-generation Montgomery Village resident, and has called Stewartown home for his entire life. He was appointed in 2023 and has championed legislation to help English language learners earn their GEDs and fought to address the tax inequities of our criminal justice system. From early childhood education to fighting for our seniors, Del. Wims shows up, listens, and delivers.
Elected to the Gaithersburg City Council in 2015, Rob Wu is running for District 39 delegate to continue his work on behalf of UpCounty residents. Rob and his wife settled in Gaithersburg in 2012 after he left active duty service in the U.S. Army to raise their family in this wonderful community. Rob brings a passion for environmental conservation, pedestrian safety, education and economic development, as well as a unique perspective on how to support D39’s significant veteran community.