The Vacancy in District 27 Harris or Long

Oct 29, 2025

Jeffrie E, Long Jr. and Kevin Harris with Wes Moore

Kevin Harris is widely viewed as the more qualified and respected contender to fill Senator Michael Jackson’s seat in Maryland’s District 27, though Jeffrie Long Jr. brings his own legislative experience and local ties. Political insiders say Harris’s military background and committee leadership make him the stronger choice, despite coming from the smaller Charles County.

🧭 Context: The Vacancy in District 27

With Senator Michael Jackson appointed Secretary of the Maryland State Police, his District 27 Senate seat is now vacant. By law, the replacement must be a Democrat, and the choice is expected to come from one of the district’s two Democratic delegates: Kevin Harris (District 27A) or Jeffrie Long Jr. (District 27B). The district spans Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties, with Harris representing Charles and Long representing Prince George’s and Calvert.

🪖 Kevin M. Harris: Veteran, Technocrat, and Committee Leader

- Military Service: Harris served in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2009, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned multiple commendations, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.
- Education: Holds a BA from Washington Bible College and an MS in Leadership Development from Walden University.
- Professional Background: Worked in defense communications and network engineering at Fort Meade and the Pentagon. Served in the White House Communications Agency, a post reserved for top-performing military personnel.
- Legislative Role: Elected in 2022, Harris is Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Education and Economic Development Subcommittee and 2nd Vice Chair of the Prince George’s County House Delegation.
- Community Engagement: Active in veterans’ organizations, the NAACP, and his church. Known for organizing COVID testing and community drives.

Political insiders describe Harris as “solid, respected, and ready,” citing his committee leadership and bipartisan credibility. His base in Charles County, while smaller, is seen as a strength by those who value his grounded approach.

🧩 Jeffrie E. Long Jr.: Young Pastor with Legislative Experience—and Controversy

- Age and Background: Born in 1996, Long is one of the first Gen-Z members of the Maryland General Assembly. He holds a BA in Clinical Psychology from Liberty University and is the Senior Pastor of Communion Church in Prince Frederick.
- Legislative Experience: Previously served as a legislative aide to Senate President Mike Miller and Senators Joanne Benson and Michael Jackson. Elected to the House in 2022 after defeating incumbent Rachel Jones.
- Committee Assignment: Serves on the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
- Controversies: In 2023, Long was charged with home invasion and felony assault after an alleged altercation with family members. The charges were later downgraded and eventually dropped, but the incident has raised concerns about his maturity and judgment.

While Long has deep ties to Prince George’s County, the largest in the district, many in Annapolis question whether geography should outweigh qualifications. His youth and ambition are noted, but so are his brushes with the law, which some say could undermine his credibility as a senator.

🧭 Final Take

The choice between Harris and Long is shaping up as a test of merit versus geography. Harris’s military discipline, legislative leadership, and community respect make him the preferred candidate among many Democratic insiders. Long’s base in Prince George’s County gives him political weight, but his past controversies may complicate his path.

As one party official put it: “Just because you come from a bigger county doesn’t make you better qualified.”