Walter Kirkland

Walter Kirkland earned a high school diploma from Mount Vernon High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 1981. Kirkland's career experience includes working as a business executive.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My campaign is centered on service, opportunity, and restoring trust between the people and their government.

For decades, I have served communities throughout Maryland’s 5th District as a businessman, mentor, youth advocate, and founding president of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County. Long before entering politics, I was focused on helping families, mentoring young people, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities.

My key priorities include:

expanding economic opportunity and workforce development

preparing our communities for the future through AI and technology training

supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship

protecting Social Security and veterans benefits

improving access to affordable healthcare and mental health resources

strengthening public safety and safer communities

supporting better schools and educational opportunities

addressing the rising cost of living and housing affordability

I believe leadership is about bringing people together, listening to communities, and delivering real results — not political games or division.

This campaign is about putting people first and making sure every family in Maryland’s 5th District has the opportunity to succeed.

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?

1. Community Leadership & Service

For decades, I have served Maryland’s communities through mentorship, youth development, business leadership, and civic engagement long before running for office. As the founding president of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, I believe leadership is about service, action, and showing up for people.Economic Opportunity & Workforce Development

I am focused on creating pathways to opportunity through small business growth, workforce development, AI and technology training, better schools, and preparing our communities for the jobs of the future so families can thrive in a changing economy.Putting People Before Politics

I am not a career politician. My campaign is about safer communities, affordable healthcare, protecting Social Security and veterans benefits, supporting mental health resources, and bringing people together to deliver real results for working families across Maryland’s 5th District.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that improve the quality of life for working families, young people, seniors, veterans, and underserved communities.

My top priorities include economic opportunity, workforce development, and preparing communities for the future through AI and technology training, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades.

I also care deeply about youth mentorship and education. As the founding president of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, I have seen how mentorship and opportunity can transform lives.

Additionally, I am passionate about affordable healthcare, mental health resources, protecting Social Security and veterans benefits, supporting safer communities, and helping small businesses grow and succeed.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

My campaign has been endorsed and supported by respected leaders across sports, media, business, and the community, including:

George Fraser, internationally recognized entrepreneur, bestselling author, corporate leader, and motivational speaker

Lionel Green, Attorney and owner of WBGR Network

Tommie Smith, Olympic Gold Medalist and civil rights icon

Edwin Moses, Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and world-renowned track champion

Tommy Miles, nationally known comedian and radio personality

Angela Stribling, respected radio and television personality

I am honored to have the support of individuals who have dedicated their lives to leadership, service, mentorship, business, sports, media, and uplifting communities.