Donna Edwards

U.S. House, MD

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An historic election. After nearly unseating incumbent Congressman Albert Wynn in 2006, community leader Donna Edwards came back to finish the job in 2008. In early February, Edwards unseated Wynn in the Democratic primary in Maryland’s fourth congressional district. Wynn subsequently resigned his seat, prompting a June 17 special election to fill the remainder of his term. If she wins, Edwards will be sworn in immediately — becoming the first African American woman to represent Maryland in Congress.

A champion for women. As the co-founder and first executive director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Donna Edwards led the fight to pass the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. A strong advocate for seniors, Edwards took on pharmaceutical companies to open markets for generic anti-arthritic medications. As executive director for The Arca Foundation, which gives grants to progressive organizations, Edwards has been a champion for working families.

A commitment to change. One of six children raised in a military family, Edwards was taught to give back to the community. After working at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Edwards put herself through law school and has used her legal education to advocate for change. Fed up with politicians who put special interests first, Donna Edwards says she is dedicated to fighting for “the hopes and values that are the core of the Democratic Party — for workers, for families, for our country.”