Watch CBS News

Only Female Candidate For Md. Governor Is Breastfeeding Daughter In Ad

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In her first campaign ad, Democrat Krishanti Vignarajah is breastfeeding her infant daughter. The ad emphasizes a need for more mothers and women in state leadership.

Vignarajah is the only woman running for governor in Maryland. In the video she points out all of Maryland's 14 statewide and federal offices are held by men. She claims women in government help improve schools and health care, and lower incarceration rates.

Krish Vignarajah: I'm a mom. I'm a woman. And I want to be your next governor. by Krish for Maryland on YouTube

RELATED: Krishanti Vignarajah, Former Michelle Obama Policy Director, To Run For Md. Governor

Vignarajah can be seen breastfeeding at multiple times throughout the ad, including in the opening shot. This is not the first time this has happened. Another woman candidate for governor in Wisconsin included video of herself breastfeeding in an ad of her own.

According to our media partners at The Baltimore Sun, Vignarajah said the decision to put the scene in the ad was made to push the fact that she's the only woman running and highlight that women in leadership can push for different policies than men.

She told The Sun she's prepared for critics of her ad but embraces that she's the only woman in the race.

"Women are tired of being asked to wait their turns or being forced to play second fiddle," she said.

Sharon Blake, former president of the Baltimore Teachers Union, is her running mate.

RELATED: Vignarajah Names Running Mate In Maryland Governor's Race

The Democratic primary is on June 26. The winner will face incumbent Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.