Peña-Melnyk, Brown Endorse Edwards for Mikulski's Senate Seat

While U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) said she’s not endorsing any of the candidates running to fill her seat in Congress, two of those candidates seeking her vacant seat are supporting her run for Senate.

Maryland Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk said she will be supporting Edwards in her run to fill current U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s seat. Pena-Melnyk was one of two Prince George’s delegates to support Edwards when she first ran for Congress and said she’s happy to do it again.

“She would do an excellent job,” Peña-Melnyk told News4. “We need to be represented. We need to be at the table. Women, black women, women of color need to be at the table.”

Peña-Melnyk is one of many candidates vying for the 4th District Congressional seat. Edwards released a statement, saying she is proud to have Peña-Melnyk’s support.

"I am proud to have the support of Joseline Peña-Melnyk, a great partner and force for positive change in Annapolis,” said Edwards. “Together, we've worked to expand economic opportunity for women, make the DREAM Act a reality for Maryland, and ensure a more fair and equitable criminal justice system for all Marylanders."

The Washington Post reported a second candidate also endorsed Edwards, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.

“From her fierce advocacy on domestic violence issues to defending women’s rights, Donna has been a champion for Maryland women and their families,” Brown said in a statement reported by the Post.

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, state Sen. Joanne C. Benson, state Sen. Ulysses Currie and state Sen. Victor R. Ramirez are among those backing Edward’s opponent, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, in the U.S. Senate race in Maryland.

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