Samir Ahmed – Candidate for MCDCC At-large (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. If you are a candidate who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information, please visit our contact form. The information in this post was submitted by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO or this publication.

Basic Information

Political Party: Democrat

Campaign Website: Samirformoco.org

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/samirahmedmaryland?igsh=MTExd2VlMjc1Z3pwZw==

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-ahmed-81899a265?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

https://www.tiktok.com/@samirahmedmd?_r=1&_t=ZT-94YEaKjtkXd

Why Are You Running For Office?

I’m running because our current local party isn’t meeting the need for younger engagement. like many local parties, it’s dominated by people who are older, especially retirees. I’m incredibly grateful for our older members, but we need to engage the youth. I understand that need because I’m part of it. I saw how the Democratic Party lost droves of young voters in the last election. If we don’t turn it around, we’ll make the same mistake again. It’s incredibly important that young people get involved in local politics, because that’s where transformational change happens. We need to encourage young, progressive, forward looking candidates to run; and I’ll be at the forefront of that effort.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

The biggest issue is the appointments process. Currently, the most important function of our local party is our ability to recommend appointments for legislative vacancies. This 24 member group gets to decide for hundreds of thousands of constituents who represents them for however much longer is left in a term. With little voter input, and a process that typically lasts a no more than a day. Lots of members on the MCDCC support keeping that power with the body, I don’t. It’s important for voters to have a say in who represents them; people of all political affiliations. As a member of the MCDCC, I would support moving away from the appointments process. You can read my position in more detail on my website.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

Definitely my role as the Vice Chair of the Maryland High School Democrats. An organization I’ve been with since we started back up almost 2 years ago. I’ve helped grow this statewide club by +200%. Establishing chapters in every corner of the state, and organizing events with other organizations. We’ve successfully lobbied legislators and engaged with the state party. It’s essentially like working to expand the MCDCC’s reach; and it’s what prepares me for hopefully taking up that role. I have proven experience in recruiting Democratic volunteers, especially young ones. I’ve seen firsthand how much impact engaging the youth has. When you treat people as your equals, and give them a sense of importance.

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

That I would be the youngest person ever elected to political office in the state of Maryland if elected.

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