Destiny Drake West

Democratic Candidate for the Maryland State Senate District 39 • Former Federal Official @HHSGov & @HUDGov | Founder @drake_institute🇺🇸

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

Costs up. Services disappearing.
Upcounty is still waiting.

After 18+ years of the same leadership—enough.

I’m running for Maryland State Senate in District 39 to lower costs, deliver real resources, and bring bold leadership to Annapolis.

It’s time.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@HITPrivacy @BaltimoreBanner I’ve been called worse by people like you.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@HITPrivacy Let’s be clear. I’m not privileged. I’m blessed. Like so many families across District 39, my family has endured many hardships. So, I’ll say it again: WE HAVE MORE IMPORTANT PRIORITIES.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@HITPrivacy The level of comfort and privilege it takes to worry about a “202” area code while working households are worried about rising costs, healthcare, voting rights, and attacks on immigrant communities is remarkable.

District 39 has more important priorities.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

In the wake of the #SCOTUS decision, Maryland has a chance to rebalance our democracy AND strengthen Black political power.

Maryland’s redistricting bill died in the Senate on Senate Majority Leader Nancy King’s watch. Now, I’m running for the seat. https://t.co/FpKxL05mki

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

And, I’ll add… if you’re an elected official in the Dem party, or you lead a civil rights org that solicits funding from the people:

Organize.

Mobilize.

Or resign.

No more politics as usual. Too much has been taken from us.

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

Today’s Supreme Court decision effectively guts a key pillar of the Voting Rights Act, freeing state legislatures to gerrymander legislative districts to systematically dilute and weaken the voting power of racial minorities - so long as they do it under the guise of “partisanship” rather than explicit “racial bias.” And it serves as just one more example of how a majority of the current Court seems intent on abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach.

The good news is that such setbacks can be overcome. But that will only happen if citizens across the country who cherish our democratic ideals continue to mobilize and vote in record numbers - not just in the upcoming midterms or in high profile races, but in every election and every level.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail Sending prayers up!

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail You can count on it, my friend! Thanks for all you do to keep democracy alive.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@YoitsBo Thanks so much for supporting, Bo! It was an amazing experience though it didn’t result in the victory we were hoping for.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail @April4Congress In fact, I was told by a “political insider” that my chances of winning in CD-6 were very low because I’m a Black woman. Non-Black voters across all five counties supporting my campaign clearly disagree… as I knew they would. Still, Dem leaders are backing what looks familiar.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail @April4Congress History has taught us that just because it’s “legal” doesn’t make it “fair” nor in the best interest of constituents.

When referring to “privilege” I’m referring specifically to her class (money and race).

People of color often work overtime proving they are “electable.”

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

Want to see what a real grassroots campaign looks like? Check out photos from our recent anti-poverty rally in Germantown. Residents from two CD-6 counties rallied in solidarity with the 33% of our families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. We’re ready for change!

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail @April4Congress @LesleyJLopez @tekeshamartinez Thank you. It’s embarrassing to not have a single woman from Maryland serving in Congress. Just a note, @April4Congress doesn’t live in this district... and if elected would be the third person in a row from CD-8 representing CD-6. People are also tired of that trend.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail @April4Congress @LesleyJLopez @tekeshamartinez I can’t tell you how difficult it has been to meet the Dem party’s expectations concerning conduct on the campaign trail while witnessing so many of our Dem leaders and PACs validate/endorse candidates who shouldn’t even be in this race.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@BethAfrCemetery I’ve been hoping to connect with you. I’d love to support your work.

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail Yes, please!

[Destiny Drake West @MsDrakeWest]

@AMinerDetail I agree!

Fundraising is difficult when you don’t have PAC money or wealthy family and friends to support you. But I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Hard work and a genuine heart for service has helped sustain my campaign.