Pleebo, Maryland County — Eric Wlea Giko has formally declared his candidacy for the 2029 senatorial elections in Maryland County, changing into the primary particular person to publicly announce his intention to contest within the upcoming race.
By Peter P. Toe
The announcement was made throughout a press convention held at his county workplace in Pleebo Metropolis, following a residents’ petition submitted on August 25, 2025.
The petition got here from residents of Harper, Pleebo, Karluway, and Barrobo Statutory Districts, urging Mr. Giko to re-enter the political area after two earlier unsuccessful campaigns.
Though he was not current when the petition was delivered, Mr. Giko mentioned the message from residents was clear and couldn’t be ignored. He formally accepted the petition, stating that his choice was based mostly on public demand and a renewed name to serve.
“In the present day, I’m honored to reply: Sure — I settle for your petition. I’ll contest,” he introduced. “This isn’t a declaration of victory. It’s a declaration of dedication.”
Mr. Giko beforehand contested legislative seats in 2020 and 2023 however didn’t win. Regardless of the electoral losses, he acknowledged that he remained energetic in group affairs and constantly maintained that he would solely run once more if requested by the folks themselves.
He described the petition not merely as political help however as a name for efficient management and real illustration. He pledged to give attention to growth priorities together with healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, training, sanitation, and youth empowerment.
“I’ve at all times maintained that I might by no means contest any election on this county until known as by the folks themselves. You’ve gotten known as — and I’m able to serve,” he mentioned. “Not with guarantees of perfection, however with dedication, transparency, and a deep love for this land all of us name residence.”
Mr. Giko expressed appreciation to the residents who organized and signed the petition. He counseled their efforts and dedication to what he known as a shared imaginative and prescient for a greater Maryland County.
“This isn’t about me — it’s about us. It’s in regards to the future all of us need to see for our kids and our communities,” he acknowledged. “Allow us to unite. Allow us to set up. Allow us to strategize — and collectively, allow us to make it occur.”
He signed the official acceptance doc within the presence of journalists and supporters to validate his dedication to the race.
With this declaration, Eric Wlea Giko turns into the primary confirmed aspirant for the 2029 senatorial elections in Maryland County, re-entering the political scene with grassroots help following two earlier defeats.
