By Adam Pagnucco.
Former Delegate Kumar Barve has issued a statement of support for former Rockville Mayor Susan Hoffmann to be appointed to his District 17 House of Delegates seat. In his statement, Barve points out that Hoffmann does not plan to run in the next election, thereby preventing an appointee from getting an electoral advantage. At this writing, more than a third of the General Assembly members whose districts lie entirely within Montgomery County were appointed to a Senate or House seat.
Barve’s statement appears below.
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Kumar Barve supports Susan Hoffmann for House of Delegates
Today I state my enthusiastic support for Susan Hoffmann to complete my term as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. I have two strong reasons for doing this.
First, Susan will be ready on day one to serve the people of Gaithersburg, Rockville and Maryland as a state delegate. She has a wealth of lifetime government experience which includes her nine years of representing Montgomery County in Annapolis as well as her successful tenure as a member of the Rockville City Council and Mayor. I am particularly impressed with her courageous support for affordable housing in Rockville. Her willingness to take political risks in support of housing justice is admirable.
Susan has a philosophical worldview that is very much in sync with the people of District 17. She is a solid liberal Democrat who believes in practical policies to advance fairness, justice and prosperity for all. Like me, she is a staunch but pragmatic progressive.
Second, Susan has pledged not to run for reelection. Three years hence, my successor will be chosen in a direct election by the people I have been honored to serve.
This is very important to me.
Maryland has no constitutional provision for special elections to fill legislative vacancies. As a result, roughly one quarter of the membership of the Maryland General Assembly can trace its initial origin to an appointment rather than an election. As a “small d” democrat I find this to be repugnant and unacceptable. I do not mean for this to be interpreted as a criticism of either our fine Democratic Central Committee or the outstanding candidates they have conscientiously chosen in the past. For me a higher principle – that of democratic self governance – is at stake.
Many excellent candidates have put forth their name for appointment to the seat I have occupied for 32 years. I strongly believe that Susan Hoffmann is the best candidate and sincerely hope that the other applicants consider running for this seat in the 2026 election. I have no doubt that the people will elect the best candidate.