Melvin L. Stukes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 44th district | |
| In office January 10, 2007 – January 14, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Jeffrey Paige |
| Succeeded by | Keith E. Haynes |
| Baltimore City Council | |
| In office 1991–2004 | |
| Preceded by | Ed Reisienger |
| Succeeded by | Helen Holton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 15, 1948 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Divorced |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Residence | Baltimore |
| Occupation | Administrator |
Melvin L. Stukes (born March 15, 1948) is an American politician who represented the 44th legislative district in the Maryland House of Delegates.[1] Stukes was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. Prior to winning a seat in the Maryland General Assembly, Stukes served 13 years in the Baltimore City Council.
Delegate Stukes was born in Baltimore, his father was in the Navy and the family moved several times during his childhood. He graduated from Scott's Branch High school in Summerton, South Carolina. After high school he enlisted in U.S. Air Force, served three years until 1968 and later entered Morgan State University, where he earned a B.S. in business administration in 1975. During his stint on the Baltimore City Council, Stukes made national news by introducing a resolution that would ban the word nigger.[2] Stukes said he was prompted to introduce the measure, not because of racism, but because it was being used widely by members of his own race.[3] Stukes said that by ignoring the use of the word, officials give the impression, especially to young people, that it is acceptable.
Due to redistricting, District 44 was divided into 44A and 44B, which resulted in three incumbent delegates, including Stukes, having to run for the same district seat. Stukes came in third.[4]
| Name | Votes | Percent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keith E. Haynes | 1734 | 43.4% | Won |
| Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr. | 1574 | 39.4% | Lost |
| Melvin L. Stukes | 523 | 17.3% | Lost |
| Name | Votes | Percent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keith E. Haynes | 4859 | 25.9% | Won |
| Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr. | 4481 | 13.9% | Won |
| Melvin L. Stukes | 3321 | 17.7% | Won |
| Ruth M. Kirk | 2860 | 15.2% | Lost |
| Chris Blake | 973 | 5.1% | Lost |
| Gary T. English | 907 | 4.8% | Lost |
| Name | Votes | Percent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melvin L. Stukes Dem. | 13,173 | 34.0% | Won |
| Ruth M. Kirk, Dem. | 12,894 | 33.3% | Won |
| Keith E. Haynes, Dem. | 12,565 | 32.4% | Won |
| Other Write-Ins | 129 | 0.3% |