Some people — especially our opponents and establishment insiders — may say that a Black school teacher winning the governor’s mansion is a long shot, but the truth is my whole life has been a long shot. 

After my mom passed away when I was eight, I lived alone with my father who was suffering from undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. Growing up in an unstable household where I didn’t know what my dad would be like from one night to the next, I felt like I couldn’t really be a kid anymore. Instead of playing outside with friends, I was focused on getting food on the table, deciphering my dad’s moods, and balancing going to school with all I dealt with at home. 

Then, when I was 12, my dad also passed away. And like so many other kids who experience trauma, the loss of both my parents at such a young age left me truly angry at life’s circumstances. I was frustrated, heartbroken, and lonely, and I channeled all of these feelings by acting out — so much so that I was eventually kicked out of school.

But the thing is, this story isn’t just mine. I share it with every kid who has ever been blindsided by trauma, exposed to violence, or lacked the support systems they need to succeed. However, I recognize that I am one of the lucky ones, and so many other struggling young kids — especially kids of color — don’t find a way to get back on track after such disruptive life experiences. 

Honestly, the only reason I didn’t end up in prison or even dead is because of public schools. I owe the change in the trajectory of my life to public school teachers and counselors who, when I was at my lowest, saw me for my whole potential and gave me a second chance. Without them, I wouldn’t be alive today.

I’m running for governor because every child deserves a second chance like I was given, and I have bold plans to make that vision a reality. From making sure educators and parents have a seat at the table throughout the legislative process and policy implementation, to investing in more school counselors and mental health professionals at every public school, to focusing on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of educators, I will never compromise on equity, inclusion, and achievement for every single student.

If you share my vision for Maryland’s future generations, I invite you to join our campaign. And with just over a month until primary election day, I’m humbly asking for you to give what you can to fuel our movement to the finish line. In a race this close and this important, every dollar counts!

With immense gratitude,

John King