Local
O’Malley, Hoyer attend pro-Question 6 rally
Roughly 200 students joined elected officials and others in College Park
Governor Martin O’Malley speaks at a pro-Question 6 rally at the University of Maryland in College Park on Nov. 5 (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)
COLLEGE PARK, Md.—Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Monday urged young people to vote for the state’s same-sex marriage law on Election Day.
“Tomorrow we’re going to put the ‘for’ in forward,” he told roughly 200 people who attended a pro-Question 6 rally at the University of Maryland. The governor also spoke at a similar event earlier in the day in Baltimore. “As a country we move forward and not back. I have four kids — and my daughters are no longer kids, they’re your age. They’re 21 and 20. And when it comes to Question 6, they look at some of us older people — that is to say those over 40 — and they say, what is wrong with you guys? What about this thing do you not get? Every person should be treated fairly and equally under the law. That’s what it means to be an American, isn’t it?”
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.,) whose daughter Stefany came out to the Washington Blade in an interview in June, pointed out the first bill for which he voted in the Maryland state Senate was the measure that repealed the state’s ban on interracial marriages. He said marriage rights for gays and lesbians upholds the promises of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
“There is zero doubt in my mind that who you love or others love will not impede on who I love or who I have a relationship with or the values that I hold,” said Hoyer. “This is about the substance of America and every individual is endowed not by their government but by their God with certain unalienable rights.”
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer speaks at pro-Question 6 rally at the University of Maryland in College Park on Nov. 5. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)
Kiese Hanson of the University of Maryland Student Government Association also urged her classmates to vote for Question 6.
“My parents raised me to believe that there should not be boundaries put on love, and I learned that everyone should be treated fairly and equally,” she said. “The best quality of the human race is our ability to love. Why would we restrict those from demonstrating this quality of our existence? Maryland has the opportunity to do something special to be the first state to pass marriage equality at the ballot and guarantee that no one in our state is restricted from loving who they want to love.”
A Goucher College poll released on Oct. 29 found 55 percent of Marylanders support marriage rights for same-sex couples in the state, compared to 39 percent who oppose them. A Washington Post survey published on Oct. 18 noted 52 percent of Maryland voters support Question 6, compared to 42 percent who said they oppose it.
A third poll the Baltimore Sun conducted between Oct. 20-23 noted only 46 percent of respondents would vote for the law O’Malley signed in March.
Question 6 opponents continue to maintain the same-sex marriage law O’Malley signed in March does not protect religious freedom. Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council and others argue marriage between one man and one woman is necessary to produce children.
“As a pastor, I cannot stand on the side of those who would attempt to justify legalized discrimination under the guise of religious belief,” said Rev. Delman Coates of Mount Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton. “The denial of rights to some based upon religious beliefs sets the precedent for the denial of rights to others based on religious belief. And that is a very dangerous public policy precedent to establish in America. As a Christian and as an American, I believe my charge is to live in my faith, not to legislate it. And I therefore urge Marylanders to vote for Question 6 because it does not force any religious institution or any clergyperson to perform any union that is against their religious beliefs or practices.”
State Sen. Allan Kittleman (R-Howard and Carroll Counties) stressed he feels nuptials for gays and lesbians is increasingly becoming a bi-partisan issue. He is one of two GOP lawmakers who voted for the same-sex marriage bill in Annapolis earlier this year.
“I see it as a very Republican principle,” said Kittleman. “I believe conservative principles mean that gov’t should not be intruding on your personal freedoms.”
Maryland voters on Election Day will also consider three other ballot questions that would allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, expand gambling and approve redrawn congressional districts.
O’Malley’s office did not return the Washington Blade’s request for comment on a state campaign finance report that indicates the company behind the development of National Harbor in Prince George’s County donated $271,515 to a group opposed to both Question 6 and the Dream Act. The governor continues to maintain expanded gambling in the state would generate more jobs and money for education.
Back at the University of Maryland, gay state Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) thanked O’Malley for his efforts in support of Question 6.
“He has worked day and night to make sure not only Question 6, but all of the ballot questions succeed tomorrow in Annapolis,” he said. “I can’t tell you on behalf of my family, my kids, all the gay and lesbian families of our state, your work has been truly amazing. And we will never adequately express our gratitude for you.”
Lesbian state Del. Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery County) and Bob Ross, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Prince George’s County Branch were among those who also attended the rally.
“We’re here because it’s time to right a wrong,” said NAACP Washington Bureau Director Hilary Shelton. “It’s time for us to take the issue on head first.”
Rehoboth Beach
HISTORIC: Susan Stewart elected Rehoboth’s first out mayor
Thanks LGBTQ supporters and vows to protect city’s small town charm
Residents of Rehoboth Beach elected City Commissioner Susan Stewart with 61% of the vote on Aug. 8, making her the city’s first openly gay mayor.
Stewart beat fellow commissioners Craig Their and Suzanne Goode in the race, as well as newcomer Jake Raak.
The final mayoral vote results were:
- Susan Stewart: 632
- Craig Their: 203
- Suzanne Goode: 177
- William “Jake” Raak: 23
“I’m very grateful because the LGBTQ+ community not only voted for me, but also supported me,” said Stewart.
Stewart said that she is particularly grateful for the support she received on social media from members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“I’ve had incredible support,” said Stewart.
Stewart said that her campaign showed her just how much residents of Rehoboth are engaged and care about the city.
“They really want to see what’s best for the community,” said Stewart.
Stewart spoke about the master planning initiative she has been working on as a commissioner, which she plans to continue as mayor.
“We’ve undertaken rewriting the commercial zoning code, and that’s foundational to the next step of the initiative,” said Stewart.
She said that she was proud of the results of charette week that was held last month where residents and business owners had the opportunity to speak with hired urban planners to give feedback for a zoning code update.
Stewart said that Rehoboth is at a tipping point as the city must find a way to balance the growth of the commercial district while improving the quality of life for residents.
“I don’t believe there needs to be tension between the business community and the residential experience,” said Stewart.
“I’m excited about a new master plan because we have a couple hotels coming, and we also have Clear Space Theatre looking for a new home, and we’re working with them,” said Stewart. “We want businesses to stay here.”
Stewart also said that she aims to embrace the concept of a ‘15-minute city,’ making the city much more accessible in terms of transportation in the downtown area for residents.
“The goal is to protect the small town charm and natural beauty of Rehoboth,” said Stewart. “I want to keep the momentum going.”
The Blade asked Stewart about any concerns she might have working with Commissioner Goode, whom she has criticized for sending inappropriate and offensive emails to city staff. Goode finished a distant third in the mayoral race and her husband fell short in his bid for a Commissioner’s seat. In that race, Jeffrey Goode received 239 votes; Patrick Gossett, who’s gay, received 813 votes and Mark Saunders 852. Saunders and Gossett will be sworn in next month.
“I’m really eager to move past this issue with Commissioner Goode,” said Stewart.
She said that she’s heard ‘loud and clear’ from the city that they want to move past this situation as best as they can while Goode remains in her seat as commissioner.
“There are no mechanisms for us to remove a sitting commissioner. Our laws don’t allow it,” said Stewart.
Stewart clarified that she has always focused on Goode’s behavior toward city staff.
“One thing I feel really passionate about is that the city employees have to know that they are heard. They are real people with real jobs, real professional reputations, and they’ve been harmed,” said Stewart.
The Blade also asked if Stewart had made a final decision on whom she plans to nominate to fill her Commissioner seat.
“I’m considering who to appoint and I have not made any final decisions,” said Stewart.
She noted that, as mayor, she only has the power to nominate a candidate and that the board of commissioners will have the final vote on whom to appoint to the board.
Stewart shared that she has received interest from a number of people and finds that to be a good sign.
“I think that’s a great sign because people want to serve. I’m eager to have someone in that seat who’s smart and has the best interests of the city,” said Stewart.
Stewart will be sworn in during the Board of Commissioners meeting on Sept. 18.
District of Columbia
D.C.’s Mary’s House For Older Adults names new executive director
Charlene Leach to succeed Imani Woody as leader of LGBTQ-supportive seniors home
The board of directors of Mary’s House for Older Adults, the D.C.-based home dedicated to providing affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors, has announced it has named longtime nonprofit organization leader A. Charlene Leach as its new executive director.
Leach, who is now serving in the executive director’s position, is succeeding Dr. Imani Woody, the Mary’s House founding president and CEO, who announced her retirement from her official leadership role at Mary’s House on July 7.
Woody, who holds a PhD in Human Services, is credited with playing the lead role over many years in arranging both city and private funding needed to construct and operate the Mary’s House three-story building located at 401 Anacostia Road, S.E., in the city’s Fort DuPont neighborhood.
“With over three decades of nonprofit experience and 15 years serving as an executive director, Charlene brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational leadership, program development, and community engagement,” the Mary’s House board says in a statement.
“Her proven track record of building impactful programs and leading mission-driven organizations makes her uniquely suited to guide Mary’s House into its next phase of growth,” the statement continues. “Charlene is deeply aligned with the mission of Mary’s House and is committed to advancing its work to provide safe, inclusive housing and supportive services for LGBTQ+ older adults,” it says. “Under her leadership, the organization will continue to expand its impact while remaining grounded in the values that define our community.”
Leach’s LinkedIn page shows she has most recently served since 2022 as executive director of the African American AIDS Task Force in Minneapolis. Prior to that, it shows she served as executive director of the Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services organization in Fredericksburg, Va., and before that as director of development for the D.C.-Baltimore area Women’s Collective.
Her LinkedIn page says she has been involved with Mary’s House as a volunteer and grant writer since 2016.
The newly built and enlarged Mary’s House, which opened in March 2025, with a grand opening ceremony held in May 2025 attended by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, includes 15 single-occupancy residential apartments and more than 5,000 square feet of shared communal living space.
An earlier statement released by the Mary’s House board announcing Woody’s retirement said Woody would continue to be involved with the organization as a member of the board. The earlier statement and board’s more recent statement on July 29 announcing Leach’s appointment as executive director did not say whether the board plans to name someone else as president and CEO, the title that Woody held before her retirement. But the latest statement says Leach will be running Mary’s House’s day-to-day operations as Woody did.
Virginia
Doug Ollivant to face Eugene Vindman in Va. 7th Congressional District
Republican defeated challengers in Tuesday’s primary
Republican Doug Ollivant will face off against incumbent U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.) in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
Ollivant defeated his Republican opponents in Tuesday’s primary. Vindman ran unopposed.
Vindman in 2024 ran to succeed then-Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in the U.S. House of Representatives after she ran for governor. Spanberger succeeded Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2025.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) on Tuesday easily won his primary. All other Democratic incumbent members of Congress from Northern Virginia also won their respective primaries.
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