Vogel, Long first Gen Zers elected to Maryland General Assembly

Joe Vogel and Jeffrie Long Jr. became the first members of Gen Z elected to the Maryland General Assembly this month. Vogel, a 25-year-old political activist, immigrated from Uruguay to Rockville as a toddler. He’s gay, Jewish and Latino, and each of those aspects of his identity shape his perspective. Starting in January, the Democrat will represent the people of Montgomery County’s Rockville and Gaithersburg in Annapolis alongside incumbent state Dels. Kumar Barve (D) and Julie Palakovich Carr (D). Vogel said he decided to run for office to give back to the community in which he grew up. He said he’s determined to make resources more accessible for everyone. “We live in a community and a state where a lot of people are doing really well, but a lot of people are being left behind,” he said. Maryland has some of the best hospitals and research facilities in the country, he said, but not all residents can afford health care. It’s the same with education — Montgomery and Howard counties are known for their public schools, yet other areas in the state struggle. Vogel said his priorities for the legislative session will be related to education, mental health and addressing hate crimes. Christine Zhu, Maryland Matters