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 by | C. Anthony Muse |
Succeeded by | C. Anthony Muse |
Constituency | Prince George's County, Maryland |
Prince George's County Council | |
In office December 6, 2010 – December 3, 2018 | |
Succeeded by | Monique Anderson-Walker |
Constituency | District 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 by | Christine M. Jones |
Succeeded by | Kris Valderrama |
Personal details | |
Born | Lancaster, South Carolina, U.S. | March 7, 1938
Political party | Democratic |
Children | Three children; three grandchildren. |
Education | Johnson C. Smith University (BS) University of Florida (MA) |
Background
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
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
Development initiatives
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
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
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-Line 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
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
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
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 |
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 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Obie Patterson | 23,465 | 34 | |
Democratic | David M. Valderrama | 23,269 | 33 | |
Democratic | Kerry Hill | 23,174 | 33 |
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 | ||
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | C. Anthony Muse | 9,846 | 55.1 | |
Democratic | Obie Patterson | 8,028 | 44.9 |
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 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Obie Patterson | 25,816 | 99.5 | |
Write-in | 127 | 0.5 | ||
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Obie Patterson | 24,187 | 99.5 | |
Write-in | 127 | 0.5 | ||
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Obie Patterson | 11,516 | 58.1 | |
Democratic | Jamila J. Woods | 8,321 | 41.9 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Obie Patterson | 42,929 | 92.5 | |
Republican | Ike Puzon | 3,280 | 7.1 | |
Write-in | 183 | 0.4 | ||
References
- "Obie Patterson, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 12, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
- 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. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- "Maryland General Assembly Caucuses - Legislative Black Caucus - Chairs". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. March 14, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Wiggins, Ovetta (June 15, 2006). "The 'Young'uns' and the Legend: Democrats Sound Out Broadwater". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- "Official 2006 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Legislative District 26". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections.
- Kurtz, Josh (February 28, 2018). "Candidate Filing Deadline: The Night of the Living Dead". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Chason, Rachel (September 18, 2018). "Council member Obie Patterson improperly promoted Ben Jealous event, Prince George's GOP alleges". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (September 18, 2018). "GOP: Prince George's Councilman Used County Resources for Political Purposes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Kurtz, Josh (November 30, 2018). "More News From the State Senate". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Ford, William J. (April 6, 2022). "Maryland House of Delegates OKs $400M Economic Development Plan". The Washington Informer. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- 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. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (December 10, 2018). "Hogan Aide Defends Stadium Maneuver as Criticism Mounts". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Shwe, Elizabeth (February 23, 2021). "Sweeping Climate Bill Passes Senate Committee After Four Voting Sessions". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Kurtz, Josh (January 28, 2021). "Senators Consider Sweeping Climate Bill — And More Modest Measures". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Shwe, Elizabeth (February 18, 2021). "Lawmakers Considering How to Remake State's Environmental Justice Commission". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Hawkins, Samantha (January 22, 2021). "Md. Lawmakers Look to Amend State Constitution to Include Environmental Rights". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Green, Andrew (January 13, 2006). "Wal-Mart veto falls". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Gaines, Danielle (March 27, 2019). "Medical Aid-in-Dying Bill Fails in Tie Senate Vote". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Wood, Pamela (March 27, 2019). "Bill to legalize medically assisted suicide in Maryland defeated in state Senate". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (March 27, 2019). "On Life or Death Bill, Lawmaker Opts Not to Vote". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (January 13, 2020). "Even With Senate Lineup Change, 'End-of-Life' Bill May Fall Short". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (February 28, 2020). "Sen. Patterson: I've Made Up My Mind on 'End of Life Options Act'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (January 21, 2021). "Lawmakers Consider Protections for Transit Operators, Sports Officials". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Stole, Bryn; Wood, Pamela (April 7, 2021). "Maryland General Assembly passes landmark policing legislation, sends package to Gov. Hogan". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Koenig, Sarah (March 25, 2001). "House approves bill to halt executions". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Barker, Jeff (March 31, 2001). "House OKs gay rights legislation". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- DePuyt, Bruce (February 12, 2021). "Lawmakers Seek to Rename Md. Highway to Honor Former President". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Pusatory, Matt (February 16, 2021). "Maryland lawmakers want to change the name of Indian Head Highway to President Barack Obama Highway". WUSA9. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Ashford, Brielle (March 8, 2022). "'Victim of discrimination' | Piscataway Conoy Tribe push for name change of Indian Head city, highway". WUSA9. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- Decker, Audrey (March 12, 2021). "Maryland Bill Would Replace Columbus Day With Indigenous Peoples' Day". WJZ-TV. Capital News Service. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
- "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.
- "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.
- "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.
- "2002 Gubernatorial General Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2002.
- "Official 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections.
- "Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections.
- "Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2014.
- "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018.
- "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018.