July 12, 2023 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the passing of former Maryland State Senator Tommie Broadwater: “I join people throughout Prince George's County and Maryland in mourning former Maryland State Senator Tommie Broadwater, who sadly passed away yesterday. We became friends when he started getting involved in Maryland politics more than fifty years ago and remained friends ever since. “I always admired his strong work ethic and his commitment to people and community, and I appreciated his candor and sense of humor. Tommie was an effective leader because he deeply understood the challenges facing many Marylanders and had the willpower and political instincts necessary to find solutions. As someone who managed to escape poverty through hard work and ingenuity, he overcame many of those same challenges. Throughout his life, Tommie sought to better himself and his entire community. He succeeded in both pursuits. “Tommie's leadership in the community did not diminish when he left the State House at the end of 1983. Instead, his influence continued to grow. He remained a crucial advocate for greater equity, justice, and prosperity for Black Marylanders and our state's working families. “Like all of us, Tommie was not perfect. In pursuit of trying to ensure his community had access to nutrition, he found himself on the wrong side of the law. Tommie was a man of integrity and paid the price for his transgression in full. He overcame that experience and continued to contribute to his community and do whatever it took to ensure his community felt supported and seen. “Many up-and-coming leaders saw Tommie as their mentor, frequently looking to him for wisdom on how they too could make a difference in the community. Additionally, average Marylanders would often seek out Tommie's help when confronted with a problem. Whether trying to pay their rent, find work, or put food on the table, they knew they could trust Tommie to lend a hand. “Indeed, we will remember Tommie not only for his career in government and his accomplishments in business but also for his positive impact on the lives of his friends, neighbors, and family members. I was reminded of that impact just a few weeks ago when I attended Tommie's 81st birthday celebration. Scores of people from all walks of life gathered to honor our friend and give thanks for all that he had done for the community. We join together again now as we mourn his loss. I offer my sincerest condolences to Tommie's relatives, his wife Lillian, and his children Jacqueline, Anita, Raymond, and Tommie who have lost a devoted and loving family man. May they find some comfort in knowing that Marylanders grieve with them.”