Stoneleigh resident Gretchen Maneval said today that she needs to “shift my attention to addressing some medical concerns, and so at this point I will not be able to move forward with my campaign for Maryland State Senate here in District 42.”

She made the announcement in an email to supporters and in a Facebook post.

Maneval was running against Robbie Leonard for the Democratic nomination to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Jim Brochin, who is running for Baltimore County executive.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to Gretchen about her announcement, but first and foremost I hope that she’s doing OK and that she recovers from her medical concern, and that’s what we should be thinking about today,” Leonard said in an interview.

“We’re going to be moving forward — we’ve been campaigning for almost a year now — and make sure a Democrat wins and holds onto this seat,” he said.

On the Republican side of the race is Delegate Chris West. Conservative talk-radio host Jimmy Mathis was also in the race, but a judge recently disqualified him. Mathis confirmed today that he will not appeal the decision, and he said he will address it on his show Saturday.

“I have enormous respect for Gretchen Maneval,” said Councilman David Marks, who represents the Towson area. “Unlike so many candidates, she understood that good public policy solutions are not necessarily Democratic or Republican. That was refreshing in such a partisan era. I wish her the best, and know many will be praying for her.”

West posted a message on Maneval’s page saying, “I deeply regret that medical issues have caused you to leave the race. I’ve only known you for a year, as we first met when, by coincidence, we both filed our candidacies for State Senate at the same time. I enjoyed our delightful conversation on that occasion as well as on many other subsequent occasions. I feel as though we have become lasting friends. I just left a message on your answering machine that is more personal in nature. I will miss you at public events over the course of the next 8 months and extend to you my very best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

Maneval’s full announcement is below:

Dear Friend,



First of all, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for the good work you do every day in our communities. Whether at your jobs, volunteering, taking care of your families, or looking out for your friends and neighbors– I stand in awe of your daily dedication to making this world a better place– Thank you.



Second, I’m writing to share that over the next few months, I need to shift my attention to addressing some medical concerns, and so at this point I will not be able to move forward with my campaign for Maryland State Senate here in District 42.



Our campaign has seen such tremendous success, and the last 9 months have been absolutely incredible. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet with thousands of our neighbors at their doors and in the community, and its been a privilege to hear directly from them about the issues that are most important to them and their families.



Our fabulous volunteers have pitched in with everything from canvassing to data entry, and I’m grateful to them and my devoted staff for so graciously sharing their time and boundless energy in support of our vision.



We knocked it out of the park and soared past our competition with my campaign fundraising thanks to the abundant generosity of my friends, family, neighbors and colleagues.



Most importantly– we proved that a grassroots campaign can transcend political divides, and respectfully focus on finding common ground solutions that benefit and support everyone.



During the next several months of the 2018 election season and beyond, let’s continue to inspire one another with kindness, understanding and gratitude. Let’s take the time to listen and honor each other’s experiences and perspectives, so that together we can take action that brings positive change for all.



I believe in you, and I believe in our collective spirit of community here in District 42 and across Maryland. I look forward to continuing to serve our communities in the coming months and years, and to taking this journey with you- OUR TIME IS NOW!



Be well and talk soon–

Best always,

Gretchen

Gretchen Maneval District 42 Candidate Maryland State Senate

voteforgretchen.org