Jazz Lewis Explained

State Delegate:Maryland
District:24th
Term Start:February 10, 2017
Appointer:Larry Hogan
Predecessor:Michael L. Vaughn
Alongside:Tiffany T. Alston and Andrea Harrison
Birth Name:Jazz M. Lewis
Birth Date:26 February 1989
Birth Place:Silver Spring, Maryland
Children:2
Party:Democratic
Education:University of Maryland, College Park (BA, MPP)
Signature:Jazz Lewis signature.svg

Jazz M. Lewis (born February 26, 1989) is an American politician and Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates.[1] Lewis represents Maryland's 24th district, and is currently serving as House Majority Whip.[2]

Early life and education

Lewis was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. He graduated from Charles Herbert Flowers High School and later attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2011 and a Master of Public Policy degree in acquisition management and international development in 2014.

Political career

Lewis first entered politics as a campus organizer, organizing students in a protest against a proposed tuition increase.[3] After graduating, he joined the Service Employees International Union as a community organizer. In 2012, he worked as a regional field director for Ben Cardin's Senate campaign. After graduating, he became a community organizer for the Good Jobs Better Baltimore campaign.[4] Lewis also worked for U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer, first as a field director before becoming an executive director in July 2015. During the 2016 presidential primaries, he worked as the Maryland political director for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.[5] [6]

On January 11, 2017, state delegate Michael L. Vaughn resigned from the Maryland House of Delegates, citing unspecified health issues.[7] Lewis applied to fill the vacancy left by Vaughn's resignation, and was nominated by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee on January 24.[8] [9]

In the legislature

Lewis was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates by Governor Larry Hogan on February 10, 2017, and was sworn in on the same day.[10] [11] He was subsequently elected for a full term in 2018, and re-elected in 2022. In September 2019, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones named Lewis as the chair of the House Democratic Caucus.[12] In January 2023, Jones named him as the House Majority Whip, succeeding then-delegate Talmadge Branch.

From 2019 until October 2021, Lewis worked as a senior policy advisor to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.[13]

Lewis was an at-large delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Kamala Harris.[14]

Committee assignments

2022 congressional candidacy

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". 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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]

Notes and References

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