Prince George’s County Council chair Jolene Ivey has exited the race for county executive, she posted on Instagram Wednesday.
Ivey, a Democrat, has chaired the council since 2023. She was sworn into her current at-large council position in December after previously representing District 5 since 2018. Her announcement comes just weeks before the special primary election on March 4.
“I want to thank all of my volunteers and supporters for standing with me,” Ivey wrote on Instagram. “I look forward to continue fighting for the people of Prince George’s County as a member of the County Council!”
Ivey racked up high-profile endorsements from former U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and Democratic Maryland Reps. Steny Hoyer and Kweisi Mfume. Ivey is also the wife of Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Maryland).
[Prince George’s County special election moved to June 3]
She told ABC7 that she was withdrawing from the race due to personal reasons.
Former county executive Rushern Baker III, the county’s state’s attorney Aisha Braveboy and at-large council member Calvin Hawkins are among the 14 Democratic candidates left vying for the county executive seat.
The special election comes after Angela Alsobrooks stepped down from her position in December following her U.S. Senate race victory. Tara Jackson, who was previously the county’s chief administration officer, currently serves as the acting county executive.
The general election for the seat will be on June 3.
