In July 2009, Owings said he was exploring a run against O'Malley in the Democratic primary of the 2010 Maryland gubernatorial election.[11] He announced his candidacy in January 2010, and ran on a platform criticizing O'Malley for raising taxes, cutting the state's budget, and repealing the death penalty.[12] Owings dropped out of the race on July 1, 2010, after undergoing a major surgery.[13]
In March 2014, Owings filed to run for county commissioner in Calvert County.[14] He placed first in the Democratic primary, but was defeated by Republicans Steve Weems and Tom Hejl in the general election.[15]
Owings at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in 2015
In December 2014, Governor-elect Larry Hogan announced that he would appoint Owings as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.[16] He took office on January 22, 2015, and was sworn in on February 13. He served in that role until the end of Hogan's tenure as governor.[1] Following the end of his tenure, state inspectors released a series of reports documenting allegations of abuse and neglect at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, the state's only veterans home,[17] which Owings said he was first made aware of in "late 2021, early 2022" and had never discussed the conditions at the veterans home with Hogan. He faulted the COVID-19 pandemic for straining resources at Charlotte Hall, but said that he would "take the blame" for the issues.[18] The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to increase oversight over the Charlotte Hill Veterans Home in response to these reports in 2023,[19] and the Maryland Board of Public Works voted to award a $159 million contract with PruittHealth to oversee the veterans home.[20]
Owings was director of Operation Raise the Roof, a veteran outreach program.[21]
Personal life
Owing was married to his wife, Louise Carroll, whom he later divorced. Together, they had one son.[2][22] His partner was Katherine Marie Boyd.[2]
Owings died at his home in Calvert County on October 31, 2023, at age 78.[15] Following the news of his death, Governor Larry Hogan and Chesapeake Beach expressed their condolences.[23][24] His funeral was attended by Hogan, Bob Ehlrich, U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer, and Maryland Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods.[25]
During the 1991 legislative session, Owings introduced legislation to create financial penalties for hunting or killing a bald eagle.[26] In 1999, he proposed a bill to make animal cruelty a felony offense, which was watered down in committee.[27]
Gun policy
During the 2000 legislative session, Owings opposed legislation requiring built-in locks for all new handguns.[28]
Social issues
During the 1991 legislative session, Owings voted against a bill creating a referendum on codifying the right to abortion into the Constitution of Maryland.[29] In 1997, he introduced legislation banning "partial-birth abortions".[30] In 2003, Owings sought to amend the state budget to remove $2.5 million for Medicaid-funded abortions.[31]
During the 1998 legislative session, Owings introduced legislation that would make it optional for adults to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. The bill was rejected in committee.[32]
In 2000, Owings introduced a bill that would allow students to volunteer a prayer during graduation ceremonies.[33]
.jpg)
.jpg)
