Jamal Bryant Drops Out Of Congressional Race; What Does That Mean For Cummings?
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Just eight days after entering the race for Congress, prominent Baltimore Pastor Jamal Bryant dropped out. Bryant intended to run for the seat long-held by Elijah Cummings.
Political reporter Pat Warren reports this might say more about Cummings' plans than the congressman intended to reveal.
Empowerment Temple Pastor Jamal Bryant suddenly jumped into the 7th Congressional District race for the seat held by Congressman Elijah Cummings. Now, just as suddenly, he jumped out, telling church members Tuesday night that Cummings will seek re-election to the House.
"I've had an opportunity to talk to our much revered Congressman to find and to discover that he is not going to offer himself for US Senate but is, in fact, going to remain in the 7th Congressional District," Bryant said.
But was that announcement his to make?
"He could very well be tipping Cummings' hand," said Don Norris.
Bryant says his first commitment is to his church, writing on Twitter, "Our representative will continue to serve us in the House and I will continue to advocate in the sanctuary and in the street."
Bryant and Cummings were on the front line in the district where the riots took place this spring.
Cummings has been considering a run for the Senate but immediately following Bryant's announcement last week, told reporters that he wasn't ready to announce a decision.
"I have a time schedule which I go by with regards to my campaign and we will adhere to that schedule. Nothing has changed and we will be making an announcement shortly with regard to exactly what I will be doing," Cummings said.
But if what Bryant says is true...
"Bryant doesn't have a chance. In fact, nobody's got a chance against Cummings if he runs for his own seat," Norris said.
The 7th district includes parts of Baltimore City and Baltimore and Howard counties.
Calls to the Cummings campaign have not been answered.
