Kevin Ford Jr.: The New Voice Bringing Cannabis and Community to Maryland Politics
Kevin Ford Jr.’s run for Maryland State Senate in District 24 is less about chasing a title and more about answering a calling. “I’m not really running for the title,” he explained to CashColorCannabis. “It’s about fulfilling that calling to build stronger families, to have better informed communities and accountable government here in Prince George’s County”.
Ford has been preparing for this moment for years. From lobbying for cannabis legalization to serving as a senior advisor during the 2022 governor’s race, and later joining Governor Wes Moore’s transition team, he’s seen firsthand how policy decisions ripple through Maryland communities. “It was those experiences that gave me the confidence to really step up and serve in a different way.”
He also brings a national perspective. Ford served as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention and was an inaugural fellow at the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute. “Both of those experiences showed me how our community has a voice that’s really worth fighting for and really prepared me to lead with a purpose.”
Cannabis as a Community Issue
Ford has been one of Maryland’s most vocal advocates for cannabis reform for more than a decade—and he’s not backing down. “People hear, ‘oh, you helped legalize cannabis.’ But what else did that bring along with it? It brought about jobs. It brought about reinvestment in the community. It brought about equitable opportunities in business.”
His commitment is also personal. After experiencing criminalization himself, he views cannabis not just as an industry, but as a matter of justice. “It’s unfair for folks to be making money hand over fist out here while our people are going to jail left and right. That doesn’t sit right with me.”
Why Local Elections Matter
Ford is equally passionate about the importance of local elections. “Some folks are winning by 55 votes, 300 votes. And we have people out here thinking their vote doesn’t count. And it does.”
He warns that waiting until the presidential race misses the point. “By the time you’re voting for president, you’ve missed the real election because it was back in June during the primary.”
For Ford, re-engaging young people and families in the civic process is essential: “We need more young people to step up and get engaged and get in the game.”
A Campaign of Possibility
Challenging longtime incumbent Senator Joanne Benson isn’t easy, but Ford believes his candidacy represents the energy shift Prince George’s County needs. “This campaign was the campaign that reminded people of what politics could be—that in a time of cynicism, we ran with integrity, hope, conviction.”
And while he’s clear that he’s running to win, Ford says this race is bigger than one seat: “It’s about planting seeds of leadership that will outlast me in writing the next chapter of leadership in Prince George’s County.”
How to Support
Kevin Ford Jr. is inviting supporters from across Maryland—and beyond—to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering, spreading the word, or donating, every effort makes a difference. “These campaigns are not cheap. Whether it’s five, 10, or $25, I just ask that you chip in and help out where you can”.
Learn more and support his campaign at: kfordjr.com/links
