Cummings hire could signal Senate run

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) is hiring a veteran Democratic Senate fundraiser, according to The Washington Post.

Ashley Martens, who was a fundraiser on the campaigns of Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), is now working for the congressman representing Maryland’s 7th District.

Cummings, now in his 11th term in the House, has neither announced nor denied any intentions to run for his home state’s soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat.

“A lot of people would be excited to see him get in the race,” said Richard Hall, executive director of Baltimore’s Citizens Planning & Housing Association. 

There are currently two Democratic primary candidates seeking to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.): Reps. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

Cummings is currently a ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.