July 13th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

WCBC has confirmed that District 1 State Senator George Edwards will retire at the end of the current term, ending 40 years in the Maryland General Assembly.  Edwards released the following statement. 

"After much thought and prayer I have decided that I will not seek re-election as a Senator in the Maryland General Assembly. The 2022 Session will be my 40th year in the General Assembly, with 24 years in the House of Delegates and 16 years in the Senate. Being in Annapolis for 3 months out of every one of those years for session is equal to 10 years total being away from home and that does not include the time attending many other functions over those years.

"As a Republican in a heavily Democrat Maryland I believe I have helped make a lot of great improvements in District One. Many of the bills that I sponsored and got passed will positively impact District One and the State well into the future. I am one of just a few Republicans that has chaired any kind of committees in both the House and the Senate. I was elected Minority Leader in the House and am the senior Republican in the Senate.

"God has been good to me and has blessed me with a great family and I appreciate all of the support from them during those 40 years, especially my wife Linda. I missed a lot of activities with my kids when they were young and also with my older grandchildren. Retiring from the Senate will allow me to spend more time with my family.

"I have been blessed with great staff who have worked together with me to assist thousands of people over the years. I have gained a lot of new friends and have meet many wonderful people. I will continue to work hard over the next 18 months and I will always fight to help Mountain Maryland whenever I can now and in the future. Thanks to all, especially those of you who have been with me throughout this great journey. God Bless."

As reported on WCBC Monday, potential candidates for the seat include District 1C Delegate Mike McKay, who has been making appearances throughout the District in recent months.   Allegany County Commission President Jake Shade is also said to be interested in the seat, and was seen meeting with Edwards last month.