Elijah Cummings, a towering figure in American politics, dedicated his life to public service, leaving an indelible mark on his community and the nation. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Cummings was deeply connected to his roots and committed to uplifting his constituents.
With a background in law, Cummings served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1983 to 1996, where he championed civil rights, healthcare reform, and education initiatives. In 1996, he was elected to represent Maryland's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held until his passing in 2019.
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Cummings was a tireless advocate for social justice, equality, and accountability. He played a pivotal role in numerous legislative efforts, including healthcare reform, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. As the Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings was known for his fierce dedication to upholding the rule of law and conducting thorough investigations into government misconduct.
Beyond his legislative achievements, Cummings was admired for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving his constituents. He was a vocal voice for the voiceless, fighting tirelessly to address issues of poverty, inequality, and systemic racism.
Elijah Cummings' legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders and activists, reminding us of the power of perseverance, empathy, and civic engagement in creating positive change. His contributions to Baltimore and the nation will forever be remembered and cherished.
Cory McCray
Born and raised in Baltimore City, Cory McCray's journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and community empowerment. He attended Fairmount-Harford High School in East Baltimore, where he credits his mother's encouragement to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) as a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his future.
After completing a five-year apprenticeship with the IBEW, Cory pursued further education at Baltimore City Community College, earning an associate degree in business administration. By the age of 20, he had purchased his first home and started a small business, investing in multiple rental properties and contributing to the revitalization of the neighborhoods that raised him.
In 2014, Cory was elected to represent the 45th Legislative District in Maryland's House of Delegates. During his tenure, leading news outlets such as Center Maryland recognized him as one of the most effective freshman legislators in the state.
Continuing his commitment to public service, Cory was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2018, representing the 45th Legislative District. He has been recognized as a legislator to watch by the Daily Record and Maryland Matters and was nominated by his peers to serve as First Vice Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party.
Beyond his political career, Cory finds solace and joy in his family life, cherishing every moment with his loving wife and four children in Northeast Baltimore. He remains deeply committed to his IBEW family, working for the union, and serving as a community organizer, while continuing to fight for expanded opportunities for every family, small business, and individual in Baltimore City.
