For many people living at the Eastern Shore, the congressional race for the 1st district in Maryland in 2018 now seems like ancient history. Still, for those residing in Kent and Talbot County, it was also a time of special optimism and hope. That was because a unique candidate emerged to seriously challenge the incumbent, the extremely conservative Andy Harris.
That candidate was Jesse Colvin.
With a mature perspective gained by his four tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger, a moderate political philosophy, and a youthful image of a new generation of leadership, Jesse not only captured the imagination of voters but was uniquely embraced by Kent and Talbot County residents as someone who could make a change in Washington.
All of these made the final returns on election night far more painful on the Mid-Shore as Andy Harris, in keeping with the gerrymandered 1st district track record of being solidly red, easily won reelection despite Kent and Talbot Counties voting decisively for Colvin.
While the Mid-Shore and Jesse have moved on, there remains a reservoir of affection for Colvin in the region. And that promoted the Spy to seek him out recently to talk about the 2018 election and how it propelled him to take on his new role as CEO of Service Year Alliance in Washington.
Working with Chairperson Gen. Stanley McChrystal (Ret.), Colvin is leading up a national effort to promote a year of paid, full-time service for young Americans as a critical part of citizenship.
In his Spy interview, Jesse reflects on his time on the Eastern Shore, his bonding with special friends like Eric and Harriette Lowery, and how he believes he is living up to the Mid-Shore’s faith in him with his work with Service Year Alliance.
This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about the Service Year Alliance please go here.
Hugh (Jock) Beebe says
When Jesse ran for Congress in MD 1, I participated in active support for the first time in any campaign. My motivation came from his clearly stated reasons for entering into politics and his proven record of “running toward the problem” in military and private wall street corporate life. I’ve followed the Success of Service Year Alliance over the past couple of years and believe it’s derived from his personal strength and insight into creative ways to achieve goals.
Listening to this Talbot Spy interview left me conflicted. On one hand I wish he would somehow find a path back into seeking elected office, then show that politicians can be honorable and effective, and on the other hand understanding that he now enjoys achieving important goals within the nonprofit realm where direct action is less encumbered by partisan struggles.
Thanks to Talbot Spy for this welcome update.
Alan Boisvert says
It’s really too bad the people in the 1st District cannot look forward instead of hanging on to the past. I think this November is going to be a wake up call for many incumbents who are holding this country back and living in the past.
Ann Farrell says
As a resident in District 1 (Towson), I enthusiastically supported Jesse’s 2018 campaign. It’s Maryland’s loss that he’s not our Congressman. In this part of the district, Andy Harris is extremely unpopular for his snarly persona, extreme rightwing positions and failure to support environmental, healthcare and other initiatives of benefit to the state and his constituents.
Till Jesse, Andy lacked viable competition in part because it’s nearly impossible for a Democrat to win in gerrymandered “giveaway” Republicans District 1. But I believe Jesse could do it if he ran again. Hard to see how we could nominate anyone with more potential, better values and genuine concern for people and the state. He started with no name recognition and ended up a “favorite son” for many who saw a potential better future for us all.
Hope he will reconsider another run for office but wish him well in whatever he does. Thanks for the update.