State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Tuesday, February 2, 2027

Statement from Lieutenant Governor Kate Burbank on Governor O’Brien’s State of the State Address

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 2, 2027) – Lieutenant Governor Kate Burbank today made the following statement on Governor Edward M. O’Brien’s first State of the State Address:

The State of Maryland faces daunting challenges – from uncontrolled crime to rising budget deficits and an economy that is failing too many workers and their families. Governor O’Brien tonight laid out our administration’s vision for Maryland’s future and a comprehensive, specific series of recommendations that will guide us toward realizing that vision. It certainly begins with getting our fiscal house in order, but it does not and must not end there. While our budget is a necessarily lean one, we will, as the Governor made clear tonight, protect and enhance our investments in critical functions of State government like education, health care and environmental protection.

Governor O’Brien also outlined the fundamental principles of this Administration’s philosophy on preventing and combating violent crime. As a former State’s Attorney, I know first hand the terrible effect that crime has on our communities and families. The agenda we are advancing will target the most serious offenders and offenses, keeping violent criminals who threaten our communities and demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of the public behind bars where they belong.

Finally, as Chair of the newly-formed Commission on Efficiency and Effectiveness, I look forward to meeting the Governor’s charge to create a State government that is accountable and responsive to the needs of Marylanders. The Governor has made improving the efficiency of State government a top priority of our administration – it is a priority and commitment that I share and will strive to fulfill.

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.