Former NAACP president Benjamin T. Jealous is currently considering making a run for the Maryland Senate seat Barbara A. Mikulski will depart from in 2017. The New York Times is reporting Jealous, who was the youngest person ever to serve as president for the NAACP, has remained mum on the news but sources close to him claim his currently thinking it over. While president for the NAACP, Jealous was instrumental in mobilizing new and unlikely voters for the 2012 presidential elections and helped fight laws designed to suppress voters in states all across the country. Jealous has also been credited with reviving the NAACP with it becoming more tech savvy and financially solvent. Jealous has also been praised for helping the passage of the Dream Act, which gives undocumented immigrants the ability to obtain in-state college tuition rates.
MUST READ: #OurMoments: NAACP President Ben Jealous On Troy Davis’ Impact On Black Youth
Jealous was also given props by former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley for helping to abolish the state’s death penalty. These two issues the paper states, are ones which resonate with the Democratic base, giving Jealous an advantage against opponents. Currently in the race is Rep. Chris Van Hollen with talks of possible contenders Rep. Donna Edwards and Elijah E. Cummings
RELATED STORIES:
Arrest Made In Colorado NAACP Bombing Case
NAACP Releases Heartfelt Statement In Memory Of Slain Chapel Hill Students
Roland Martin Takes Us Backstage At The NAACP Image Awards Pre-Award Dinner [VIDEO]