Jazz Lewis

See also: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Maryland § District 4

In October 2021, Lewis announced his candidacy for Maryland's 4th congressional district, seeking to succeed outgoing Representative Anthony Brown, who was a candidate for Attorney General. ^[15] During the primary, he was endorsed by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer ^[16] and U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres. ^[17] He withdrew his candidacy on April 14, 2022, saying that he would seek another term in the House of Delegates in lieu of a congressional bid. ^[18]

Political positions

Lewis has described himself as "unabashedly a progressive" who is also a "consensus-maker". ^[4] During his 2022 congressional campaign, Lewis told Jewish Insider that he did not express a desire to align with The Squad, but hoped to befriend and work with its members. ^[4]

Criminal justice and policing

During the 2018 legislative session, Lewis introduced a bill that would limit restrictive housing and its use for vulnerable members of the prison population, including pregnant women, older prisoners, and those with disabilities. ^[19] He reintroduced the bill during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions. ^[20]

In 2019, Lewis said he opposed a controversial bill that would allow Johns Hopkins University to employ its own private police force. After realizing the bill had the votes to pass, he introduced a series of amendments to hold the police force accountable. The bill passed with the amendments. ^[4]

Also in 2019, Lewis introduced a bill that would require the Department of Legislative Services to prepare racial impact statements on bills creating or modifying misdemeanor and felony offenses. He later worked with legislative leaders Adrienne A. Jones and Bill Ferguson to initiate a pilot program requiring racial impact statements on criminal justice bills in 2021. ^{[21] [22]}

In June 2020, Lewis pledged to stop taking campaign contributions from the Fraternal Order of Police. ^[23]

In July 2020, Lewis was appointed to represent the Maryland House of Delegates on the Law Enforcement Body Camera Task Force, a committee tasked with helping jurisdictions utilize police body cameras. ^[24] During the 2023 legislative session, Lewis introduced a bill that would require the Maryland Department of General Services to negotiate affordable police body camera contracts for police departments with small budgets. ^[25]

During the 2021 legislative session, Lewis introduced the Juvenile Restoration Act, a bill that would end life without parole sentences for juvenile offenders. ^{[26] [27]} The bill passed the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate, but was vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan; the veto was overridden by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2022 legislative session. ^{[28] [29]}

During his 2022 House campaign, Lewis said he supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, calling it one of his priorities. ^[4] Also in 2022, he introduced the New Start Act, a bill that would offer small business loans and training to individuals who were formerly incarcerated and wanted to start a new business. ^[30]

Foreign policy

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis traveled to Israel with the American Israel Education Foundation. He later encouraged progressive members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are critical of Israel to visit the country. ^[4]

In November 2021, Lewis called Israel "one of our core friends" and said that he supported increasing U.S. foreign aid to Israel. He also said that he would have voted for a bill providing supplemental funding to Israel's Iron Dome missile-defense system, which passed by a 420-9 vote. ^[4]

Health care

During the 2021 legislative session, Lewis introduced a bill to establish five Health Equity Resource Communities, each tasked with reducing disparities in the incidence and treatment of diseases, funded by a one percent increase in the state's alcohol tax. ^{[31] [32]}

During his 2022 congressional campaign, Lewis said he supported a single-payer health care system and expanding access to mental health services. ^[33]

Marijuana

Lewis supported 2022 Maryland Question 4, a ballot referendum to legalize recreational marijuana in Maryland, voting to pass legislation creating the referendum during the 2022 legislative session ^[34] and later encouraging his constituents to vote for legalization in October 2022. ^[35] He had previously sponsored legislation to legalize cannabis during the 2021 legislative session, which failed to move out of committee. ^{[36] [37] [38]}

National politics

In January 2021, Lewis condemned comments made by state delegate Dan Cox during the January 6 United States Capitol attack, replying to a post Cox made on Twitter with "Dan, you are better than this. Please don't cosign this lawlessness." ^[39]

Social issues

In 2019, Lewis voted to advance a bill that would lift a ban on candidates running in Prince George's County county-level political races from accepting developer contributions. ^[40]

During the 2021 legislative session, Lewis introduced a bill that would remove all flavored tobacco products from the market. ^[41]

Personal life

Lewis is married and lives in Glenarden, Maryland. Together, he and his wife have a son and a daughter. ^{[42] [43]} He is a fan of the Washington Commanders. ^[44]

Jazz Lewis
Lewis in 2023
Member of the MarylandHouseofDelegates from the 24th district
Incumbent
Assumed office February 10, 2017 Servingwith Tiffany T. Alston and Andrea Harrison

Maryland House of Delegates District 24 Democratic primary election, 2018 ^[45]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Erek Barron (incumbent)	9,939	20.3
	Democratic	Jazz Lewis (incumbent)	8,513	17.4
	Democratic	Andrea Fletcher Harrison	7,111	14.5
	Democratic	LaTasha R. Ward	5,685	11.6
	Democratic	Maurice Simpson, Jr.	3,726	7.6
	Democratic	Marnitta L. King	3,481	7.1
	Democratic	Michelle R. Wright	3,297	6.7
	Democratic	Sia Finoh	2,405	4.9
	Democratic	Donjuan "DJ" Williams	1,789	3.7
	Democratic	Joyce Starks	1,780	3.6
	Democratic	Delaneo Miller	1,166	2.4

Maryland House of Delegates District 24 general election, 2018 ^[46]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Andrea Fletcher Harrison	38,365	36.7
	Democratic	Erek Barron (incumbent)	33,069	31.7
	Democratic	Jazz Lewis (incumbent)	32,406	31.0
	Write-in		586	0.6

Maryland House of Delegates District 24 general election, 2022 ^[47]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tiffany T. Alston	29,212	33.6
	Democratic	Andrea Fletcher Harrison (incumbent)	28,880	33.2
	Democratic	Jazz Lewis (incumbent)	28,396	32.7
	Write-in		461	0.5

References

1. "Jazz Lewis, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 9, 2023.
2. Gaines, Danielle E. (January 5, 2023). "Jones announces new Democratic caucus, committee leaders for 2023 General Assembly session". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
3. Walker, Childs (January 1, 2010). "Budget cuts at College Park create unrest". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
4. Deutch, Gabby (November 18, 2021). "Jazz Lewis steps out". Jewish Insider. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
5. "Organization and Staff of Hillary Clinton's 2016 Primary Campaign". P2016 Race for the White House. DemocracyInAction . Retrieved February 5, 2023.
6. "93.9 WKYS 30 Under 30 2017: Jazz Lewis". WKYS. February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
7. Fritze, John (April 4, 2016). "Hillary Clinton names campaign staff for Maryland". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
8. Wiggins, Ovetta (January 11, 2017). "Democrat Michael Vaughn of Prince George's resigns from state legislature". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
9. Ford, William J. (January 25, 2017). "Jazz Lewis Tabbed for Vacant Md. Delegate Seat". The Washington Informer. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
10. Clinkscales, Johnathon (February 2, 2017). "Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee nominates Jazz Lewis to represent 24th legislative district in House of Delegates". Southern Maryland News. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
11. "Veteran Democratic campaign operative appointed to Maryland House". The Baltimore Sun. February 10, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
12. Bell, Brad (February 10, 2017). "Md. Governor Larry Hogan appoints replacement for delegate seat". WJLA-TV. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
13. Gaines, Danielle E. (September 6, 2019). "Speaker Jones Announces Dozens of Leadership, Committee Changes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
14. Kurtz, Josh (July 22, 2024). "Meet the Maryland delegates to the Democratic National Convention". Maryland Matters . Retrieved July 22, 2024.
15. DePuyt, Bruce (October 26, 2021). "Glenn Ivey, Jazz Lewis Announce Bids for Anthony Brown's Seat in U.S. House". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
16. Kurtz, Josh (November 8, 2021). "Hoyer Endorses Protégé Jazz Lewis for 4th District Congressional Seat". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
17. Deutch, Gabby (December 5, 2021). "Ritchie Torres endorses Jazz Lewis in Maryland's 4th". Jewish Insider. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
18. Flynn, Meagan (April 14, 2022). "Jazz Lewis, Hoyer's protege, drops bid to succeed Rep. Anthony Brown". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
19. Cobun, Heather (December 7, 2017). "Advocacy groups seek changes to 'solitary confinement' in Md. prisons". The Daily Record. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
20. Gaskill, Hannah (February 26, 2020). "Lawmakers Look to Minimize Solitary Confinement in Prisons". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
21. Gaskill, Hannah (February 1, 2021). "Jones and Ferguson to Require Racial Impact Statements in Bill Analyses". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
22. Wood, Pamela (February 2, 2021). "In pilot program, Maryland lawmakers to give extra scrutiny to racial equity in criminal justice legislation". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
23. Gaskill, Hannah (June 16, 2020). "Annapolis, Capitol Hill Lawmakers Call for Immediate Police Reform: 'We Have Not Done Enough'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
24. DePuyt, Bruce (July 5, 2020). "'Access of Justice' Questions Will Drive New Panel on Police Body Cameras". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
25. Gaskill, Hannah (February 2, 2023). "Bill to help Maryland police departments afford body cameras wins bipartisan support in the General Assembly". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
26. Gaskill, Hannah (March 1, 2021). "Juvenile Restoration Act Pushes for Resentencing for Youthful Offenders". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
27. Gaines, Danielle E.; Leckrone, Bennett (March 30, 2021). "House Passes Bill to End Life Without Parole For Juvenile Offenders, Allow Re-Sentencings". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
28. Stole, Bryn; Wood, Pamela (April 10, 2021). "Maryland legislators pass landmark police reform package into law, overriding Gov. Hogan's vetoes". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
29. Segelbaum, Dylan (October 3, 2022). "'It means everything:' How the Juvenile Restoration Act has provided a second chance for people sentenced as children to prison in Maryland". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
30. Wilkins, Tracee (March 24, 2022). "'New Start Act' Aims to Help Formerly Incarcerated Marylanders Start Businesses". NBC Washington. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
31. DePuyt, Bruce (September 14, 2020). "Lawmakers, Advocates to Unveil Program to Reduce Health Care Disparities". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
32. Kurtz, Josh (September 16, 2020). "Liquor Industry Pushes Back on Tax Hike to Ease Health Disparities". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
33. DePuyt, Bruce; Kurtz, Josh (February 10, 2022). "Political Notes: Elrich's Endorsements, Pippy's Plans, Segal's LG, and CD-4 News". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
34. DePuyt, Bruce; Gaskill, Hannah (April 1, 2022). "With Scant Enthusiasm, Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Legalization Bills". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
35. Ford, William J. (October 16, 2022). "Black activists and political leaders mobilizing to make cannabis legal in Maryland". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
36. Gaskill, Hannah (February 4, 2021). "Feldman Pushes Cannabis Legalization, Ferguson Co-Signs". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
37. Gaskill, Hannah (September 9, 2021). "House Panel on Cannabis Legalization Begins Work Toward an Equitable Industry". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
38. Scott, Catherine (February 24, 2021). "Marijuana legalization proposed in Maryland legislature". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
39. Gaskill, Hannah (January 7, 2021). "Del. Cox Arranged Buses to Violent Trump Rally, Calls Vice President a 'Traitor'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
40. Kurtz, Josh (January 25, 2019). "Bill on Prince George's Developer Contributions Advances". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
41. Kurtz, Josh (November 18, 2020). "Coalition Gearing Up for Another Fight Against Flavored Tobacco". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
42. Townsend, Kristina (July 20, 2023). "Jazzed Up". Prince George's Suite. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
43. Lewis, Jazz (October 21, 2023). "Big news in the Lewis family!". Facebook . Retrieved October 23, 2023.
44. Kurtz, Josh Kurtz; Ford, William J.; Brown, Danielle J. (January 24, 2025). "Football fans commandeer the House, Moore's team grows, fair wage turns to voters, more notes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
45. "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018.
46. "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018.
47. "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022.

External links

• Media related to Jazz Lewis at Wikimedia Commons