Building a movement for real change may sound like a long shot, but the truth is, my whole life has been about defying the odds. The story of my family is one of breaking barriers, of inequality and struggle, and the generational promise of progress. Because my ancestors survived, I am here today.

I live in ​​Silver Spring, Maryland, less than 25 miles from where my great-grandfather, Charles King, and his family were enslaved. I cannot even fathom what they went through, and just one generation later, in 1894, my grandmother was one of the earliest graduates of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She championed to my family the importance of formal education and of working hard, and the generations who have followed her have taken that guidance to heart.

Having so many people to look up to in my family has been nothing short of an honor. Following their guidance and example, I have dedicated my life to carrying their legacy forward through serving my community with dignity and passion.

They instilled in me that I could do anything, and it is this background that pushed me to run for governor of Maryland. Now it’s my turn to break barriers: with your support, I would make history as the third African-American ever elected governor in the nation’s history and the first Black governor in Maryland.

It’s time for people across Maryland — and even across the country — to see leadership that represents our country’s diverse identities.

I am humbled by the opportunity to stand up for those who have too often been ignored, and together we can move Maryland toward a more just future.​​ But to do so, I need the resources to win this race.

Every donation has a direct impact fueling our historic campaign forward, so I’m humbly asking if you can chip in $50, $25, $10 or whatever you can afford today →

Thank you for learning my story and for supporting my campaign,

John King