State Senator Lisa Gladden, a Democrat from Baltimore City who missed the second half of the 2016 legislative session as her multiple sclerosis worsened, has resigned after 18 years in the General Assembly.
Senator Lisa A. Gladden (photo courtesy Maryland State Archives)
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller announced her retirement Wednesday as the legislature began its annual 90-day session. A Senate aide said the retirement letter was delivered just before the session and that Miller’s office had no advance notice it was coming.
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Gladden told The Sun in 2010 she had multiple sclerosis. She said she was first diagnosed in 1995 but did not disclose it because she didn’t want people’s sympathy, or to become a “poster child” for MS.
At the time, Gladden displayed few symptoms except for trouble with her left eye. She said she decided to go public with her condition on her own terms.
Gladden said medications were keeping symptoms in check. She said the disease had not affected her ability to represent her constituents.
But in recent years, Gladden’s symptoms became more noticeable. When the legislature reconvened in January, she attended sessions in a wheelchair until early March, when she could no longer work. After the session, she relinquished the vice chairmanship of the Judicial Proceedings Committee.
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Gladden’s replacement will be chosen by the 41st District Democratic Central Committee. Its recommendation to Gov. Larry Hogan is binding. A leading candidate will be Del. Nathaniel Oaks, Gladden’s longtime district-mate and a House member for 28 years. The 41st District already has a vacancy left by the resignation of Del. Jill Carter to take a job in Pugh’s administration.
