Democratic candidate for Governor Alec Ross announced Julie Verratti as his running mate.
Verratti is a co-founder and co-owner of Denizens Brewing in Silver Spring and is a former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Small Business Assocation and LGBT political activist. She lives in Silver Spring with her wife, Emily Bruno.
Verratti is a Silver Spring native and has focused her career on entrepreneurship and activism.
“I was born and raised in Maryland, and I’ve built my business here with my wife and brother-in-law. Our state has given me so many opportunities and experiences, and I have the progressive values and business experience to improve the state," she said in a statement.
Ross currently serves as a Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, resides in Baltimore City with his wife, Felicity, and their three children.
In a statement about his running mate he said, "We share a passion for ensuring that people from every zip code can compete and succeed in tomorrow’s economy."
Ross is one of 8 Democrats vying for the nomination.
Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz are both running but have not announced their running mates yet.
Krishanti Vignarajah, a former Policy Director to former First Lady Michelle Obama, is the only woman running and also hasn't announced her running mate.
Ralph Jaffe also announced his candidacy.
Ben Jealous, former President and CEO of the NAACP, is running with Susie Turnbull, former Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party.
Attorney Jim Shea announced his running mate last week. City Councilman Brandon Scott is his lieutenant governor candidate.
State Senator Richard Madaleno announced his running mate Monday at Western High School. Luwanda Jenkins used to work as an aide to former Governor Martin O'Malley.
The only republican in the race right now is Governor Larry Hogan.
The primary election in Maryland is being held on June 26.
