Manno Wins District 19 Maryland Senate Race Primary

In the highly contested District 19 Democratic State Senate race, Roger Manno has triumphed over incumbent Mike Lenett in preliminary results. With 36 precincts reporting, the vote stands at 5,563 votes to 4,706.

The Lenett campaign waited for results at the Bauer Drive Community Center in the Aspen Hill community of Rockville, but he and his family left with only 18 precincts in, then a vote of 2,067 for Manno, 1,449 for Lenett. At the time, Lenett said it was too early to comment on the race.

Meanwhile, the Manno campaign and supporters, including Del. Henry (Hank) Heller (D-19), former Maryland State Sen. Len Teitelbaum and Attorney General Doug Gansler, celebrated at the Manno household on Merrifields Drive in Silver Spring.

During the celebration, Lenett called and conceded. Manno said he "took it graciously." Manno said Lenett offered his assistance and support in the general election. Patch was unable to reach him for comment. After Lenett conceded, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) called to congratulate Manno on the election.

Manno said he is touched and honored to have the support of voters after a tough campaign.

Manno campaign volunteer and friend Lori Sherwood said the results reflect a new look to District 19.

"It used to be [that where] Leisure World went, the district went," she said.

District 19 is in central Montgomery County, including Glenmont, Olney, Aspen Hills and retirement community Leisure World.

Lenett did have supporters from Leisure World, but Sherwood said the immigrant and Hispanic populations played an important role in supporting Manno.

"Their voices were heard tonight," Sherwood said.

Delegate Heller has worked with both Manno and Lenett in Annapolis.

"Mike [Lenett] has been counterproductive," said Heller of Lenett's first four years as senator. "Things went to his head," he said, including his appointment of assistant deputy majority whip.

Heller said he believes Manno's election will help bring the 19th delegation together.

"I've learned a lot from Uncle Hank," Manno said fondly of the retiring delegate. Manno said Heller has been a coach in teaching him about teamwork in the delegation and in Annapolis to get work done.