Bill Ferguson and dog Kermit talk to a child while campaigning in Greektown.
Last summer on any given day, residents of the 46th District could see Bill Ferguson walking the streets with his dog Kermit and campaign worker J.D. Merrill. Ferguson, the 27-year old former Baltimore City teacher, was running against George Della, Jr. the 27-year incumbent State Senator. Door after door, they knocked and talked with residents about their wants, needs, neighborhoods and issues within the 46th. Even in the hot and humid summer, Ferguson could be found meeting, talking and exchanging ideas with people. He didn’t just relay his campaign ideas; he shared his great vision for Baltimore.
As a member of Teach For America, Ferguson taught at a breakout academy of the old Southwestern High School. He spent the day teaching US History and Government classes to ninth and tenth graders. Being an educator at a historically challenged school gave Ferguson the opportunity to see the issues that plague City schools: few classroom materials, dilapidated facilities and inferior student transportation options. Through these experiences he discovered that the key to improving the future of Baltimore was to educate the children and keep families interested in staying in the City.
Bill Ferguson is hugged by his wife Lea in celebration after announcing his victory in the Democratic Primary.
Ferguson decided that the best way to make this positive difference was to run for the Maryland 46th District’s state senate seat, which, for the entire 27 years of his life, was held by Della. Although this was Ferguson’s first attempt at running for public office, it was not his age or newcomer status that set him apart, but his drive and genuine passion to improve Baltimore.
On September 14, 2010 Ferguson stood on the corner of Fait Avenue and S Linwood Ave in Canton from dawn to dusk greeting voters and making his final effort to persuade them to trust in his passion and ideas. The rest of the evening was spent at Silo Point with his campaign volunteers, friends and family as they anxiously awaited the results. Around 10pm, Ferguson entered the party to a roar of applause from his supporters. He then climbed up on a chair and after thanking his supporters and wife profusely, he announced “today we proved that it’s possible.” Ferguson had beaten Della to become the new Maryland State Senator for the 46th District.
About three months later, Ferguson was sworn in for his first 90 day session as part of the Maryland General Assembly. During this session, he has worked on multiple bills to improve education and is continuing his path towards bettering the City’s future.
