There are power couples all over this state. The people on our annual list of Maryland power couples are generally celebrities in the small, odd-ball world of Maryland politics. Every Valentine’s Day, we honor them in Maryland Matters.
As usual, our power couples list leans heavily toward those who spend most of their time in Annapolis, working in or around state government and politics. But we try to look beyond the borders of State Circle when we can.
So here we go. First, the leaders of the pack:
Wes Moore and Dawn Flythe Moore: First couples in Maryland are all but guaranteed to make this list. But more than any other we can think of, this is a true political partnership. Gov. Moore is still growing into the job, even as he becomes a national political rising star. The first lady keeps a relatively low profile a lot of the time. But she was an integral part of his political rise and remains one of his key advisers and ambassadors to the state’s political community.
Aruna Miller, the lieutenant governor, and David Miller, the state’s second second gentleman: They are civil engineers who met and fell in love in college. And he remains her top adviser and political protector.
Helene Grady and Matthew Gallagher: Grady is the state budget secretary, first among equals in the governor’s cabinet, the one whose number-crunching helps Moore set his broader agenda. Gallagher is the head of the Goldseker Foundation in Baltimore and former chief of staff to ex-Gov. Martin O’Malley (D). He is also a civic leader par excellence with a wealth of contacts and political and policy chops.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D) and Prince George’s County Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D): There are a few couples in this state where both halves are elected officials, but these two are the most enduring and, arguably, the most endearing. And of course, they get extra points because one of their five sons is an elected official, too — Del. Julian Ivey (D-Prince George’s). And, keeping the spirit of romance going, he just got married!
