State Senator in Legislative District 39, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Nancy J. King — State Senator in Legislative District 39, Maryland

  Nancy J. King is an accomplished American politician who has represented Maryland's 39th District as a Democratic member of the State Senate since 2007. Her career is marked by a consistent dedication to public service that predates her legislative tenure. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, King attended Niagara County Community College before moving to Maryland. Prior to her political path, she was the Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of a family-owned consulting and forensic engineering company. King's entry into public service began at the local level with the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations and later the Montgomery County Board of Education. In 2002, she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, where she served until her subsequent appointment to the State Senate. In 2020, she assumed the prominent leadership role of Senate Majority Leader.

• Amar Mukunda — State Senator in Legislative District 39, Maryland

  Amar Mukunda is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland State Senate in District 39. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County and a graduate of its public schools, Mukunda has a diverse professional background as an entrepreneur and a U.S. Army Reserve combat engineer. He is a dedicated advocate for gun violence prevention, a commitment informed by his professional experience. From 2019 to 2023, Mukunda served as the assistant director of Roca Maryland, a community-based violence intervention program. In this role, he worked directly with young men entangled in gun violence, focusing on creating pathways to safety and stability. His campaign for the Democratic primary is centered on key local issues, including addressing affordability and ensuring youth safety.

• Destiny Drake West — State Senator in Legislative District 39, Maryland

  Destiny Drake West is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland State Senate, representing Legislative District 39. She is the founder of the Drake Institute of Women's Policy, a national think tank that focuses on women's inclusion, justice, and security. Her professional background includes experience in the federal government, where she served as a Senior Legislative Analyst for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2021, West worked as a Legislative Director within the Maryland State Senate. She holds a bachelor's degree from California Baptist University and a master's degree from the University of California, Irvine. She resides in Germantown, Maryland, with her family.