Rebecca Pearce is running for mayor of Bowie, Maryland, becoming the youngest candidate ever to enter the city’s mayoral race. At 23, she is campaigning on affordability, stronger schools, and improved city services while encouraging more young people to get involved in politics.
Pearce, a Prince George’s County native, announced her candidacy in late February. She said her long-standing interest in public service pushed her to take the step now.
“I am running because I always knew I was always going to go into office and I decided if not now, then when?” she said, according to MadameNoire. “I love people, I love community, I love investing back into the community that ultimately built me.”
The special election is set for April 7 after former Mayor Tim Adams resigned. Nine candidates are competing for the seat. Pearce’s campaign focuses on easing the cost of living by pushing for lower property taxes, tackling rising utility bills, and advocating for residents at the state level.
Her platform also includes improving local schools, supporting small businesses, and strengthening public safety. She has also highlighted plans to upgrade city services like trash collection and support development that brings more grocery stores, infrastructure, and essential services to Bowie neighborhoods.
Pearce brings a strong academic and leadership background. She served as class president in middle school, student body president in high school, and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at Bowie High School. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in three years with honors.
Her professional experience includes work as a law clerk intern supporting Maryland legislation, statewide advocacy with One Fair Wage, and political campaign work involving fundraising and communications. She currently works as an account executive at a political consulting firm.
Pearce encourages young people to step into leadership roles. On Instagram, she wrote, “Our time is NOW. The future is ours and it’s time for us to set our path straight, not just for ourselves, but for our children and their children after them.”
Her campaign blends policy experience, legal exposure, and community engagement. As the youngest candidate in the race, she emphasizes listening to residents and preparing Bowie for long-term growth.
SOURCE: blacknews.com