Howard County, MD – Today, Arinze for Howard County Council District 2 announced that it received the endorsement of the Howard Progressive Project (HPP), a grassroots community organization committed to improving the lives of Howard County residents through the promotion of progressive values. In its endorsement announcement, HPP said that Arinze is a “public policy professional with experience at the federal, state, and local levels, and a tireless advocate for Howard County youth.” For these reasons, “Arinze brings exactly the kind of bridge-building leadership our community needs. We believe he will be a tremendous asset to the Council and our community.”

In response, Arinze Ifekauche released the following statement: 

“I am deeply humbled and thankful to receive the support of the Howard Progressive Project. As a Howard County resident, candidate, and progressive—who began my career in grassroots organizing—it is especially important to me to receive the endorsement of this organization. Together, we share the same values and commitment to improving the lives of our fellow residents. It is my solemn promise to use my experience at each level of government to create policies, write bills, and pass legislation that will foster a more vibrant local economy.”

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of a cascade of positive news and momentum for Arinze’s campaign:

• In March, Sen. Bernie Sanders backed Our Revolution (Howard County chapter) recommended “a vote for Arinze Ifekauche over his opponent.”

• In February, Regina McLendon announced that she was suspending her campaign for Howard County Council and endorsing Arinze in the race for District 2. McLendon said: “I’m proud to endorse Arinze Ifekauche and trust his leadership to move District 2 forward.”

  
  

• Earlier that February, Run for Something (RFS), a national organization that recruits and supports the next generation of progressive leaders for state and local office, endorsed Arinze. In its endorsement announcement, RFS said of Arinze and his fellow endorsees, “These candidates understand the urgency of the moment and are done waiting. They are standing up, challenging the status quo, and working to bring bold new visions for progress to their community.”

• And in January, Arinze finished first in the District 2 fundraising race, reporting a $50,000 cash on hand balance. Of the dollars raised, 90 percent were contributed by individuals with an average contribution of $183: a testament to Howard County’s belief that Arinze has the experience, leadership, and vision to help families and businesses thrive. 

Arinze (ah-wren-zay) Ifekauche (if-uh-koo-chey) is a 39-year-old political strategist who has spent nearly two decades working in public policy and grassroots organizing on Capitol Hill, as well as State and Local government. Now, as a policy and communications staffer at the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention & Policy, Arinze works to keep our neighborhoods—and children—safe. Arinze is also the only candidate running for Howard County Council District 2 who has outlined a legislative agenda to improve the lives of his future constituents. As part of his detailed platform:

• Arinze is focused on attracting new major employers to Howard County through aggressive and strategic outreach to the private sector. Read his full plan HERE.

• Arinze is focused on reducing the cost of childcare for working families by initiating a cost-sharing model that would cut childcare bills by up to 65%. Read his full plan HERE.

• Arinze is focused on providing financial support to older homeowners who wish to transition into smaller, more accessible residences. Read his full plan HERE.

In his spare time, Arinze is a proud husband and father who serves as Chair of a Howard County-focused youth mentorship program (Kappa League). He expanded the program to include a grant-funded partnership with the Howard County Local Children’s Board to reduce suspension rates among Black and Latino middle school boys in Elkridge. Finally, Arinze serves as a board member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation of Columbia, MD.