Capitol Heights, MD is a small town located in Prince George's County, Maryland. With a population of just over 4,400 people, it may not seem like a significant place on the map. However, for those interested in politics, Capitol Heights holds a unique position as a predominantly Democratic town.
The History of Democrats in Capitol Heights
The town of Capitol Heights was incorporated in 1910 and has a long history of being a Democratic stronghold. In fact, the town's first mayor, William H.Somerville, was a Democrat. Since then, the majority of elected officials in Capitol Heights have been Democrats. One of the reasons for this strong Democratic presence is the town's demographics. According to the latest census data, over 90% of the population in Capitol Heights is African American. Historically, African Americans have been more likely to align with the Democratic party due to its stance on civil rights and social justice issues.
The Current Political Landscape
As of 2021, the current mayor of Capitol Heights is Shawn Maldon, who is also a Democrat.Maldon has been in office since 2015 and has focused on improving the town's infrastructure and promoting economic development. In addition to the mayor, there are four council members in Capitol Heights, all of whom are Democrats. The council members are responsible for making decisions on local policies and ordinances that affect the town's residents. Capitol Heights is also represented by Democrats at the state and federal levels. The town falls within Maryland's 4th congressional district, which is currently represented by Democrat Anthony Brown. At the state level, Capitol Heights is part of District 24 and is represented by Democrats Erek Barron and Jazz Lewis in the House of Delegates.
The Impact of Democrats in Capitol Heights
The strong presence of Democrats in Capitol Heights has had a significant impact on the town's policies and initiatives.For example, the town has implemented various programs to support its residents, such as affordable housing initiatives and job training programs. Additionally, the town has taken a stance on important social issues, such as police reform and racial justice. In 2020, the town council passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis and committed to addressing systemic racism within the town's institutions. Furthermore, the Democratic leadership in Capitol Heights has also prioritized environmental sustainability. In 2019, the town council passed a resolution to transition to 100% clean energy by 2035, making it one of the first towns in Maryland to do so.
The Future of Democrats in Capitol Heights
As the demographics of Capitol Heights continue to evolve, it is likely that the town will remain a Democratic stronghold. The town's current leadership has shown a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of its residents, particularly those from marginalized communities. However, as with any political landscape, there is always room for change.It will be interesting to see how future elections play out and if there will be any shifts in party representation in Capitol Heights.
