ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — Democratic candidate Jennifer Clancy says collaboration, community input and practical solutions to housing affordability are central to her campaign for Maryland House of Delegates District 29A, according to a recent appearance on The BayNet’s podcast “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics” hosted by Chris Hill.
Clancy, a licensed mental health professional, former public school counselor and mother of five, is running to represent northern St. Mary’s County in Annapolis. Her campaign focuses on education, health care and community issues. According to her campaign website, Clancy has spent more than two decades involved in advocacy work and community service, including mental health care, education and volunteer initiatives.
District 29A covers northern St. Mary’s County, stretching from Hollywood Road north toward the Charles County line.
Why She Entered The Race
Clancy said the decision to seek office grew over time but became serious about a year before launching her campaign, after conversations with local Democratic Central Committee members and residents.
She said voters have expressed interest in having another option on the ballot and someone who approaches representation differently.
“Most of what I am doing as a candidate is listening and learning and trying to find a way to collaborate with everyone … and be a different voice,” Clancy said.
Clancy acknowledged longtime Delegate Matt Morgan’s efforts on behalf of constituents but said she believes governing style and collaboration matter.
Housing Affordability Emerges As Major Topic
Much of the conversation centered on housing affordability and access to homeownership in St. Mary’s County.
Host Chris Hill noted rising housing costs and the increasing age of first-time homebuyers, while Clancy discussed the need for workforce housing, transitional housing options and expanded support programs for younger residents trying to remain in the county.
Clancy said local and state leaders need to work together to secure funding and strengthen existing initiatives.
Her priorities include improving programs that assist first-time homebuyers and increasing opportunities for residents to establish long-term roots in Southern Maryland.
“We could not have done it without a leg up,” Clancy said while recalling how grant assistance helped her family purchase its first home. “I think for the vast majority of people … we all want the best for our neighbors.”
She added that stable housing affects more than finances.
“To me, if we can see that our neighbor is able to set root here, then it affords us the opportunity to dream that we too could set root and thrive,” Clancy said.
State vs. Local Control
The discussion also explored tensions between state-level policymaking and local decision-making, particularly regarding housing and zoning.
Clancy said delegates must balance the interests of local constituents while working alongside lawmakers representing vastly different regions of Maryland.
“What is the point of electing delegates to represent the best interests?” Clancy said, noting a District 29A delegate would represent roughly 45,000 residents. “We go to the state level and we’re trying to debate on whether or not the interests of 29A have any comparison to the interests of anyone in Western Maryland.”
Rather than leaning heavily toward state mandates or local autonomy, Clancy emphasized compromise and consensus-building.
“I think everyone, regardless of political affiliation … is feeling it’s too heavy in one direction rather than collaboratively, with compromise in mind,” she said.
Campaign Built Around Community Input
Throughout the interview, Clancy repeatedly returned to themes of listening, town halls and gathering feedback directly from residents rather than relying solely on online discourse.
She said substantive policy proposals should come from community conversations.
“Any really substantive policy change or funding initiative … has to have been because after a town hall … we’ve gathered enough opinion from 29A,” Clancy said. “It has to be not just Facebook commentary.”
Clancy also said some residents feel disconnected from decisions made in Annapolis.
“I think that people in St. Mary’s County are feeling left behind from those conversations in Annapolis for various reasons,” she said.
Running On Education, Health Care And Community
Clancy described her campaign as centered on bringing people together regardless of political affiliation. Her campaign branding intentionally uses purple, she said, symbolizing a willingness to bridge divides.
According to her campaign website, Clancy’s platform emphasizes education, health care access and strengthening communities while advocating for “balanced progress” in St. Mary’s County.
Closing the interview, Clancy summarized her priorities:
“Jennifer Clancy running for state delegate to northern St. Mary’s County, District 29A, running on the platform of education, healthcare, and community, making sure that we focus on all of our neighbors,” she said.
Clancy is running uncontested in the Democratic primary before advancing to the general election race for District 29A.
About Jennifer Clancy
Clancy is a licensed clinical professional counselor, former public school counselor, former small-business owner and community advocate. Her campaign biography notes involvement in mental health initiatives, education, volunteer service and local advocacy efforts. She and her husband, a local law enforcement officer and former educator, are raising five children in Southern Maryland.
Watch the full interview below:
About Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics
The interview is part of The BayNet’s new candidate video podcast series, “Get Real With Southern Maryland Politics,” which features conversations with Southern Maryland candidates running for county commissioner, state delegate and state senator.
Upcoming election coverage can be found at https://thebaynet.com/elections.
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