Tawanna P. Gaines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tawanna P. Gaines
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| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 22nd district |
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| In office December 21, 2001 – October 4, 2019 Serving with Anne Healey (D)
Alonzo T. Washington (D) |
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| Preceded by | Richard Palumbo (D) |
| Succeeded by | Nicole A. Williams (D) |
| Constituency | Prince George's County |
| Mayor, Town of Berwyn Heights | |
| In office 2000–2001 |
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| Preceded by | William T. Armistead Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Ronald M. Shane |
| Council member, Town of Berwyn Heights | |
| In office 1998–2000 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 1, 1952 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 2022 (aged 70) Lanham, Maryland |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Berwyn Heights, Maryland |
| Education | District of Columbia Teachers College, 1970-72 Towson University, Realtors Institute of Maryland, Associate Broker, 1981 |
| Occupation | Politician, University staff |
Tawanna Phyllis Gaines (February 1, 1952 – November 12, 2022) was an American politician who represented District 22 in the Maryland House of Delegates from December 2001 to October 2019. She resigned in the face of federal corruption charges and was sentenced to six months in prison.
Background
Gaines was born in Washington, DC, on February 1, 1952. She attended District of Columbia Teachers College, 1970-72.
In the legislature
Gaines had been a member of House of Delegates since December 21, 2001 when she was appointed by Governor Parris Glendening to fill the vacancy of Richard Palumbo who himself been appointed judge to the District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County. She was appointed by the Speaker to be Deputy Majority Whip in 2003 and currently serves in that capacity. She served on the House Appropriations Committee and is the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Sub Committee on Transportation and the Environment, in addition to the capital budget subcommittees. She was also a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
Gaines resigned from the legislature on October 4, 2019 and on October 7 was charged with federal wire fraud for using over $22,000 of campaign money for personal use. Her daughter and campaign treasurer subsequently pled guilty in November 2019 to wire fraud, admitting using campaign funds for personal use. On January 3, 2020, Gaines was sentenced to six months in prison for one count of wire fraud.
Death
Gaines died from bladder cancer on November 12, 2022, at the age of 70.
