Statement
Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on the Passing of Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.
For Immediate Release: Friday 15 January
Today, Maryland lost its legendary “Lion of the State Senate,” President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., who was the longest servicing state senate president in American history. He was a student of history who made history. His love for the state was apparent and he worked tirelessly to make Maryland a better place. He addressed the needs of his constituents in District 27 as well as the needs of all Marylanders. Senate President Miller could navigate the state legislature like no other and was a mentor to thousands of staffers, legislators, and local leaders. He understood people – and he understood politics. Always the pragmatist, he built successful coalitions when the time came for change, whether it was the need to make major investments in the State’s public schools or passing stricter gun laws. He was a tough negotiator, but the outcome of his negotiations was fair.
Mike Miller was dedicated to the State of Maryland, the University of Maryland, the Maryland General Assembly and the Democratic Party. But first and foremost, he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He spent many an evening as a young man in Montgomery County. He entertained people with wonderfully colorful stories of his travails as the “country boy from Southern Prince George’s County” wooing his future bride, Patricia Given, during her youth in Bethesda. My deepest condolences go out to Patti and the entire Miller family.
Senate President Miller’s 50 years of service to Maryland speaks for itself. And without his leadership, tenacity and legislative prowess, Maryland would not be what it is today. His unrelenting commitment to service for our state is unmatched. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. We all owe Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. a debt of gratitude for all he did to make Maryland great.
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Release ID: 21-004