Keenon James

Keenon James graduated from Bishop McNamara High School. James earned a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University in 2003. His career experience includes working as a nonprofit director.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Motivated by people. Passionate about public service. For more than 20 years I have advocated for laws and policies to create a more equitable justice system. I asked legislators to pass laws on reforms to the criminal justice system, policing practices, and victims rights that would refocus limited resources on improving community safety, building public trust, and restorative justice; not mass incarceration. I am prepared to be in the seat in Annapolis to make the decisions on safer neighborhoods, world-class schools, quality healthcare, and thriving businesses. I want to help put the pieces in place for all Marylanders that protect our children's future, increase home values, elevate businesses, and preserve natural resources. We can invest and save while placing our families on a path to economic and educational success. I am committed to doing the work and I know you are too.

A native Prince Georgian, Keenon was raised in a working class family in Fort Washington where he attended Prince George's County Public Schools Rose Valley Elementary School and the former Lord Baltimore, now Isaac J. Gourdine, Middle School. After graduating with honors from Bishop McNamara High School. Keenon then decided to continue his family's legacy by attending a historically black college choosing North Carolina Central University.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Create safer communities, reduce gun violence, support victims, and build public trusts through community oriented safety and wellness initiatives. Under President Obama, Keenon led the Policing Practices and Accountability Initiative at the United States Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). As Deputy Director for both the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association as well as the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Keenon has been at the center of reform movements, policing practice assessments, and legislation to improve public safety in communities across the country. Keenon most recently served as vice chair of the county's Police Accountability Board.Support our students, teachers, and administrators through a modernized Blueprint of Maryland's Future plan and funds that support arts, sciences, technology, athletics, college and career readiness.Building generational wealth through homeownership, strengthening the Fair Housing Act; and supporting the growth and sustainment of small businesses through access to capital, business incubators, and economic incentives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety for everyone. Keenon's passion and commitment to effecting the lives of those impacted by violent crime is personal. Keenon is a gun violence survivor. His brother, Sean, was shot and killed in Takoma Park, Maryland in 1993. Today, he works hand-in-hand with gun violence survivors across the country advocating for safer neighborhoods, victims' rights, sensible gun laws, and gun violence prevention. Keenon is committed to building safe communities through community engagement, people-centered practices, and legislation that protects our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Our justice system must be strong, fair, and equitable.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Nelson Mandela

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Public servant. Intentional listener. Avid learner. Ethical. Compassionate heart. Effective communicator.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The responsibilities of a state delegate are detailed in the Maryland Constitution and include passing laws, setting taxes, oversight of the state's budget and executive agencies. A state delegate also has a year-round community responsibility to respond and assist their constituents with municipal, county, state, and federal services and inquiries.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Courtesy Clerk "Bagger" at Safeway

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

A partnership that aligns goals, policies, and resources to make the greatest positive impact on the most lives in our communities.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely! Compromise can improve on a good idea and make it better for more people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Endorsements include: Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Maryland State Education Association, Mental Health Now, March On PAC, Governor Wes Moore, State Senator Ron Watson, State Senator Kevin M. Harris, State Delegate Adrian Boafo, State Delegate Marvin E. Holmes, Jr, State Delegate Kym Taylor, State Delegate Darrell Odom, Jr, Former State Delegate Geraldine Valentino Smith, Bowie Mayor Michael Esteve, Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor, and Upper Marlboro Mayor Charles Colbert.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

Challenger space shuttle explosion

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For several years, I have advocated for laws and policies to create a better, more equitable justice system. I asked legislators to pass laws on reforms to the criminal justice system and policing practices that would refocus limited resources on community safety, not mass incarceration. I am no longer asking and waiting. I am prepared to be in the seat in Annapolis to make the decisions on safer neighborhoods, world-class schools, quality healthcare, and thriving businesses. I want to help put the pieces in place for all Marylanders that protect our children's future, home values, and natural resources while placing our families on a path to economic and educational success. I am committed to doing the work and I know you are too.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Create safer communities and reduce gun violenceSupport our students, teachers, and administrators through the Blueprint of Maryland's Future planBuild generational wealth through homeownership and strengthen the Fair Housing Act

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety for everyone. As a gun violence survivor and criminal justice reformer, I am committed to builder safe communities through community engagement and legislation that protects our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Our justice system must be strong, fair, and equitable.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Courtesy Clerk at Safeway