Harrison runs on council experience in Prince George’s County

Andrea Fletcher Harrison (D-Prince George’s County) cited her experience working closely with members of the Prince George’s County Council as her edge against the eight others vying to fill the open District 5 council seat vacated by David Harrington (D-Cheverly), who replaced the deceased Sen. Gwendolyn Britt in the General Assembly. 

“I have been serving the residents of Prince George’s County for the past six years,” Harrison told PolitickerMD.com.  

Harrison has served the past five years as the deputy chief of staff for the District 5 council office. She previously served one year as a constituent services liaison. 

She has helped draft legislation and handle other constituent needs, and developed a close working relationship with Harrington, who has endorsed his former aide in the election.  

“I know the council, I know the community,” Harrison said, adding, “I have the relationships.” 

If elected, Harrison said education and public safety would be two of her top priorities. She advocated for the construction of smaller schools, saying “I think schools at this point are too large.” She acknowledged that such a proposal would take a “long-time” to secure funding.  

On public safety, Harrison said, “We need to increase staffing levels and look at funding public safety.” 

Harrison also said Harrington was “well respected” in the community and said his endorsement would help her candidacy. 

“I think I have a wonderful chance,” Harrison said. “People know my heart and my passion.” 

Seven other Democrats, including Mayor Adam Ortiz (D-Edmonston) and Adrion Howell, a former council liaison to Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson, are also seeking the open seat. 

Steven W. Johnson of Cheverly was the only Republican to file a certificate of candidacy in the heavily Democratic county.  

A special primary election has been scheduled for April 1, while the general election is set for May 6.