September 26, 2017

Melony Griffith, Candidate for State Senate, Del. Dereck E. Davis, Del. Darryl Barnes, and Nick Charles, Candidate for House of Delegates, File Candidacy for 2018 Election

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 26, 2017

For more information, contact David Kosak at 443-895-0816.

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Announce formation of a joint campaign effort; collectively to run as “The 25th District Leadership Team”

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Tuesday, September 26, 2017) – Today, Melony Griffith (Democrat-Upper Marlboro), Del. Dereck E. Davis (Democrat-Mitchellville), Del. Darryl Barnes (Democrat-Upper Marlboro) and Nick Charles (Democrat-Forestville) filed as candidates for the 2018 election, and announced the formation of a joint campaign effort to be called “The 25th District Leadership Team”.

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“We will work together to make sure District 25 and Prince George’s County get the resources and services we deserve,” said the candidates in a joint statement.

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The team consists of three legislative leaders with proven track records, as Griffith, Davis and Barnes have all served as lawmakers in Annapolis. Nick Charles, the new-comer of the group, has garnered the respect of the team because of his outstanding work ethic, as well as his dedication to the community and his country.

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The 25th District Leadership Team

Melony Griffith is leading the team as a candidate for the Maryland State Senate. She served as a State Delegate representing District 25 in Annapolis for 16 years. During her tenure as Delegate, Melony was a well-respected budget leader on the House Appropriations Committee, where she protected funding for retired teachers, state employees, and law enforcement and correction officers. A four-year Chair of the House Delegation, she demonstrated a keen understanding of how to partner with local and federal leaders to invest in Prince George’s County, securing millions of dollars in funding for projects benefiting schools, non-profits, health care facilities, arts organizations and neighborhoods in the County. Melony has two sons, Lloyd and Cornelius, and worships at Zion Church.

 

Del. Dereck E. Davis has been a member of the House of Delegates since 1995. He is Chairman of the powerful Economic Matters Committee which has jurisdiction over the areas of banking, consumer protection, corporations, business regulation, economic development, insurance, utility regulation, workers’ compensation and alcoholic beverages. Chairman Davis has successfully guided legislation through the General Assembly that increased the state's minimum wage above the federal level, created a living wage for employees of state service contractors, created and expanded the state's renewable energy program, and passed the state's paid sick leave law. He has received numerous awards for his legislative achievements and community involvement. Dereck and his wife, Monique, have two children, Dereck Jr. and Nyla. They worship at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

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Del. Dr. Darryl Barnes has represented the 25th District in the House of Delegates since 2015. A veteran of the US Navy and US Army, Darryl has demonstrated commitment to public service. In the General Assembly, he serves as the Deputy Majority Whip, Vice Chair of the Delegation’s Education Subcommittee, as well as Vice Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. As the owner of a small business, he made his way to the Ways and Means Committee where he is a member of the Finance Resources, Revenues, and Election Law subcommittees. In addition to his service in Annapolis, Darryl founded Men Aiming Higher, a grassroots, not-for-profit organization that mentors at-risk young men and adults between the ages of 14-29. Darryl and his wife, Makeba, have two sons, Dylan and Drew, and attend the First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

 

Nick Charles is running for the House of Delegates. A veteran of the US Air Force, following his efforts after 9/11, his service garnered him two Air Force Achievement Medals. As a proud native Prince Georgian, Nick has consistently contributed to the community, having served as President of Forest Spring Community Association. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Procurement and Public Contracting from the University of the District of Columbia. Currently he is a consultant providing acquisition and program management oversight for US Navy projects. Nick is also a small business owner, serving as the President and CEO of Charles Management Consulting Group. He is a member of Omega Psi Fraternity, and worships at Freedom Way Missionary Baptist Church of Capital Heights, serving as a member of the Men's Ministry.