Brooke E. Lierman named projected nominee in Maryland’s Democratic comptroller race; Timothy J. Adams concedes

Baltimore Del. Brooke E. Lierman was named the projected Democratic nominee Tuesday night in the race to be Maryland’s next comptroller.

According to The Associated Press, Lierman won the party nomination with 64% of the vote. Her opponent, Bowie Mayor Timothy J. Adams, reported 36%.

“Tonight we are one big step closer to building a better Maryland, together,” Lierman tweeted after the race was called.

Adams called for unity in his concession to Lierman on Wednesday morning.

“Although this is not the result we hoped for, I want to congratulate Delegate Brooke Lierman on a well-fought campaign and victory. Brooke is a skilled and thoughtful leader who is poised to break barriers as our first female Comptroller, and that should make all of us proud,” Adams said in a statement.

Lierman, 43, a disability and civil rights attorney, is rounding out her second term as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing South Baltimore, downtown and the Inner Harbor. She received overwhelming support from members of Maryland’s Democratic establishment, including House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, state Senate President Bill Ferguson, several members of the congressional delegation and multiple county executives, including Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Bowie, where Adams has served as the town’s first Black mayor since 2019, is in Alsobrooks’ jurisdiction.

Adams, 63, is president and CEO of Systems Application & Technologies, which does contract work for the Department of Defense. He ran a largely self-funded campaign. According to his July 8 finance report, he lent his campaign $3.3 million.

Polls ahead of the election showed Lierman leading Adams, though many likely voters were undecided.

Both Democratic candidates campaigned on similar platforms, prioritizing transparency in the agency, the reduction of single-bid procurement contracts, expanded access to education funding, small business growth and cannabis legalization, among other topics.

Lierman will face Republican Harford County Executive Barry Glassman in the November general election. Glassman said during a phone interview Tuesday evening that he was excited to get out on the campaign trail, now that primary season was coming to a close.

“I feel kind of like a racehorse that’s been put in the stable waiting for race day, so I’m happy to start campaigning next week,” Glassman said.

The comptroller oversees state income tax collection; imposes state taxes on gasoline, alcohol and tobacco; and has a seat on the three-person Board of Public Works, which approves major state contracts.

Democratic incumbent Comptroller Peter Franchot chose to give up the position, which he has held for four four-year terms, to run as a potential successor to Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who has reached a two-term limit.

This year’s race for comptroller could prove historic if Lierman, who would be the first woman elected to the position and by voters to a statewide seat, bests Glassman in November. For his part, Glassman would be the first Republican comptroller since 1900.

Lierman’s election night party was held at Checkerspot Brewing Company in Baltimore’s 46th legislative district, which she represents.

Adams’ celebrated the beginning of the end of a long primary season alongside Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, a Democrat who is running for reelection, at a Bowie estate.