Wikipedia

Obie Patterson

Obie Patterson (born March 7, 1938) is an American politician. He was previously a Democratic member of the Maryland Senate from the 26th district in Prince George's County.[1] He served on the Prince George's County Council representing District 8, and in the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 26th district.[1]

Obie Patterson
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 26th district
In office
January 9, 2019 – January 11, 2023
Preceded byC. Anthony Muse
Succeeded byC. Anthony Muse
ConstituencyPrince George's County, Maryland
Prince George's County Council
In office
December 6, 2010 – December 3, 2018
Succeeded byMonique Anderson-Walker
ConstituencyDistrict 8
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 26th district
In office
January 11, 1995 – January 10, 2007
Serving with C. Anthony Muse, David Mercado Valderrama, Kerry Hill, Darryl A. Kelley, and Veronica L. Turner
Preceded byChristine M. Jones
Succeeded byKris Valderrama
Personal details
Born (1938-03-07) March 7, 1938 (age 86)
Lancaster, South Carolina, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
ChildrenThree children; three grandchildren.
EducationJohnson C. Smith University (BS)
University of Florida (MA)

Background

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Patterson was born in Lancaster, South Carolina on March 7, 1938. He attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1965, and the University of Florida, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in public administration in 1971.[1] After graduating, he served in a variety of roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.[2]

Political career

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Patterson was a member of House of Delegates from January 11, 1995, and to January 10, 2007.[1] He served as the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland from 2002 to 2004.[3] In 2006, Patterson unsuccessfully ran for Maryland Senate in District 26,[4] losing to former state Delegate C. Anthony Muse in the Democratic primary by a 55%-45% margin.[5]

In 2010, Patterson was elected to serve on the Prince George's County Council in District 8.[1] Termed out of running for re-election, he ran for the Maryland Senate in 2018, seeking to succeed C. Anthony Muse, who decided against running for another term to run for county executive of Prince George's County.[6]

In September 2018, the Prince George's County Republican Party filed an ethics complaint against Patterson, claiming that his county government staff used a government email address to distribute an invitation to a reception featuring Democratic gubernatorial nominee Ben Jealous.[7][8] He won the general election in November 2018 with 92.5 percent of the vote and was sworn in on January 9, 2019.[1] Later that month, President of the Maryland Senate Thomas V. Miller Jr. appointed Patterson to serve as the deputy majority whip of the Senate Democratic Caucus.[9]

On April 6, 2022, he announced that he would not seek re-election to the Maryland Senate.[2][10]

Political positions

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Development initiatives

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Patterson opposed Governor Larry Hogan's proposal to construct a pro football stadium on a large parcel of federal land in Oxon Hill,[11] saying "I don't know how anyone can think about bringing the Redskins there without some drastic increase in better transportation".[12]

Environment

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During the 2021 legislative session, Patterson voted for the Climate Solutions Now Act, saying that he "reluctantly" supported the legislation.[13] In the same year, he introduced various environmental bills, including:

  • Senate Bill 70, which would require the state to establish uniform standards for mold assessment and remediation[14]
  • Senate Bill 121, which would require the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities to develop policy recommendations on clan energy projects and investments to benefit low-income communities[15]
  • Senate Bill 151, which would amend the Maryland State Constitution to establish a right to a healthy environment[16]

Health care

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During the 2006 legislative session, Patterson voted to override Governor Bob Ehrlich's veto of the Fair Share Health Care Fund Act, which would require Walmart to pay more for employee health care.[17]

During the 2019 legislative session, Patterson refused to cast a vote on the End-of-Life Option Act, which would have provided palliative care to terminally ill adults, causing the bill to die in a tied 23–23 vote.[18][19] On his decision not to vote, Patterson said he had no regrets about decision, adding, "I did not cast a vote simply because I could not bring myself to move right or left on the bill and therefore I didn't vote on all. I don't know if it is [a violation of Senate rules] but I had to vote my conscience and that's what I did".[20] In 2020, when the bill was reintroduced, Patterson said that he would cast a vote if the bill came up for a vote again, but did not say how he planned to vote.[21][22]

Policing

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During the 2021 legislative session, Patterson introduced legislation that would allow police officers to arrest a person based on witness testimony and video evidence.[23] Patterson voted in favor of the General Assembly's police reform package.[24]

Social issues

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During the 2001 legislative session, Patterson voted in favor of legislation to implement a two-year moratorium on Maryland's use of capital punishment. The bill passed the Maryland House of Delegates by a vote of 82–54.[25] He also voted in favor of legislation to add gays and lesbians to the state's anti-discrimination law, which passed in a 88–50 vote.[26]

During the 2021 legislative session, Patterson introduced legislation that would rename Indian Head Highway after former President Barack Obama.[27][28] The bill died in the Maryland Senate after its first reading a month later.[29] He also introduced a bill that would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.[30]

Electoral history

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Maryland House of Delegates District 26 Democratic primary election, 1994[31]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic C. Anthony Muse 8,716 24
Democratic David Mercado Valderrama 6,657 18
Democratic Obie Patterson 6,234 17
Democratic Rosa Lee Blumenthal 4,187 12
Democratic Christine M. Jones 3,953 11
Democratic Napoleon Lechoco 1,997 6
Democratic Charles H. French 1,784 5
Democratic Gloria E. Horton 1,215 3
Democratic Henry W. Harris Sr. 762 2
Democratic Leighton D. Williams 545 2
Maryland House of Delegates District 26 election, 1994[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic C. Anthony Muse 17,807 27
Democratic David M. Valderrama 17,206 26
Democratic Obie Patterson 16,483 25
Republican Max L. Buff 4,814 7
Republican Claude W. Roxborough 4,612 7
Republican Erich H. Schmidt 4,215 6
Maryland House of Delegates District 26 election, 1998[33]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obie Patterson 23,465 34
Democratic David M. Valderrama 23,269 33
Democratic Kerry Hill 23,174 33
Maryland House of Delegates District 26 election, 2002[34]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Veronica L. Turner 22,482 29.8
Democratic Obie Patterson 21,794 28.9
Democratic Darryl A. Kelley 21,306 28.2
Republican JoAnn Fisher 3,675 4.9
Republican Dale L. Anderson 3,562 4.7
Republican Max Buff 2,623 3.5
Write-in 38 0.1
Maryland Senate District 26 Democratic primary election, 2006[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic C. Anthony Muse 9,846 55.1
Democratic Obie Patterson 8,028 44.9
Prince George's County Council District 8 Democratic primary election, 2010[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obie Patterson 5,209 41.4
Democratic Betty Horton-Hodge 3,661 29.1
Democratic Jerry J. Mathis 1,576 12.5
Democratic Trevor Otts 1,012 8.0
Democratic Antwan Brown 449 3.6
Democratic Archie L. O'Neil 446 3.5
Democratic André D. Nottingham 244 1.9
Prince George's County Council District 8 election, 2010[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obie Patterson 25,816 99.5
Write-in 127 0.5
Prince George's County Council District 8 election, 2014[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obie Patterson 24,187 99.5
Write-in 127 0.5
Maryland Senate District 26 Democratic primary election, 2018[38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obie Patterson 11,516 58.1
Democratic Jamila J. Woods 8,321 41.9
Maryland Senate District 26 election, 2018[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obie Patterson 42,929 92.5
Republican Ike Puzon 3,280 7.1
Write-in 183 0.4

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Obie Patterson, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 12, 2021. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Gaskill, Hannah; Kurtz, Josh; Shwe, Elizabeth (April 6, 2022). "Legislative Roundup: Patterson's Decision, House Debates Hate Crime Bill, Centenarian Tax Cuts and More". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on May 7, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  3. ^ "Maryland General Assembly Caucuses - Legislative Black Caucus - Chairs". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. March 14, 2022. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  4. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (June 15, 2006). "The 'Young'uns' and the Legend: Democrats Sound Out Broadwater". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 27, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Official 2006 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Legislative District 26". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  6. ^ Kurtz, Josh (February 28, 2018). "Candidate Filing Deadline: The Night of the Living Dead". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  7. ^ Chason, Rachel (September 18, 2018). "Council member Obie Patterson improperly promoted Ben Jealous event, Prince George's GOP alleges". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  8. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (September 18, 2018). "GOP: Prince George's Councilman Used County Resources for Political Purposes". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  9. ^ Kurtz, Josh (November 30, 2018). "More News From the State Senate". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  10. ^ Ford, William J. (April 6, 2022). "Maryland House of Delegates OKs $400M Economic Development Plan". The Washington Informer. Archived from the original on April 6, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  11. ^ Broadwater, Luke (December 12, 2018). "Deal in works to build new Redskins stadium in Maryland in exchange for Western Maryland park land, Hogan says". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  12. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (December 10, 2018). "Hogan Aide Defends Stadium Maneuver as Criticism Mounts". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  13. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (February 23, 2021). "Sweeping Climate Bill Passes Senate Committee After Four Voting Sessions". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on March 1, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  14. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 28, 2021). "Senators Consider Sweeping Climate Bill — And More Modest Measures". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  15. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (February 18, 2021). "Lawmakers Considering How to Remake State's Environmental Justice Commission". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  16. ^ Hawkins, Samantha (January 22, 2021). "Md. Lawmakers Look to Amend State Constitution to Include Environmental Rights". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  17. ^ Green, Andrew (January 13, 2006). "Wal-Mart veto falls". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  18. ^ Gaines, Danielle (March 27, 2019). "Medical Aid-in-Dying Bill Fails in Tie Senate Vote". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  19. ^ Wood, Pamela (March 27, 2019). "Bill to legalize medically assisted suicide in Maryland defeated in state Senate". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  20. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (March 27, 2019). "On Life or Death Bill, Lawmaker Opts Not to Vote". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  21. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (January 13, 2020). "Even With Senate Lineup Change, 'End-of-Life' Bill May Fall Short". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  22. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (February 28, 2020). "Sen. Patterson: I've Made Up My Mind on 'End of Life Options Act'". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  23. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (January 21, 2021). "Lawmakers Consider Protections for Transit Operators, Sports Officials". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  24. ^ Stole, Bryn; Wood, Pamela (April 7, 2021). "Maryland General Assembly passes landmark policing legislation, sends package to Gov. Hogan". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  25. ^ Koenig, Sarah (March 25, 2001). "House approves bill to halt executions". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  26. ^ Barker, Jeff (March 31, 2001). "House OKs gay rights legislation". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  27. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (February 12, 2021). "Lawmakers Seek to Rename Md. Highway to Honor Former President". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  28. ^ Pusatory, Matt (February 16, 2021). "Maryland lawmakers want to change the name of Indian Head Highway to President Barack Obama Highway". WUSA9. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  29. ^ Ashford, Brielle (March 8, 2022). "'Victim of discrimination' | Piscataway Conoy Tribe push for name change of Indian Head city, highway". WUSA9. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  30. ^ Decker, Audrey (March 12, 2021). "Maryland Bill Would Replace Columbus Day With Indigenous Peoples' Day". WJZ-TV. Capital News Service. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  31. ^ "1994 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. February 6, 2001. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  32. ^ "1994 Gubernatorial General Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. February 6, 2001. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  33. ^ "1998 Gubernatorial General Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. October 24, 2000. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  34. ^ "2002 Gubernatorial General Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2002. Archived from the original on May 30, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  35. ^ "Official 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  36. ^ "Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  37. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2014. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  38. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  39. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
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