ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Wes Moore [D] announced Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, that he has appointed Senator Michael A. Jackson [D–Calvert, Charles & Prince George’s] to replace Col. Roland L. Butler Jr. as superintendent of the Maryland State Police, marking a major leadership change within the department.
Butler plans to retire Nov. 1, according to Moore, and Jackson will take over as superintendent on Nov. 12. Lt. Col. Daniel C. Pickett will reportedly serve as superintendent in the interim.
Jackson currently represents Southern Maryland in the state senate, where he chairs the Public Safety and Transportation Committee. Before joining the General Assembly, he served as Prince George’s County sheriff and worked in law enforcement for more than two decades.
“I’m incredibly honored by the confidence that Governor Moore has placed in me to become the next superintendent of the Maryland State Police,” Jackson said. “My life and career have led to this moment, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to take on this role. Service to the residents of District 27 will not be interrupted as I’ll continue to represent District 27 in the State Senate until I leave to assume my duties as superintendent, and I look forward to supporting the next senator appointed to fulfill the remainder of my term in office.”
Butler was appointed in 2023 as the first Black superintendent in the agency’s history. His tenure included efforts to address diversity concerns, recruitment challenges, and workplace culture issues following a federal investigation into discriminatory hiring practices. The state later reached a $2.75 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over those claims.
Moore’s selection of Jackson reflects his administration’s continued focus on public safety reform and accountability. Jackson’s experience in both policing and legislative leadership is expected to guide the department through an ongoing period of modernization and rebuilding public trust.
The Maryland Senate will review Jackson’s appointment during their earliest opportunity to reconvene.
It is unclear at this time when Jackson might have to resign his seat, and who could be appointed as a replacement. This news comes heading into an election year in 2026.
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A HEE HEE! CHAMONE!
So much for their diversity push there. Keep it in the family Wesley! SMDH!
Never forget that Moore is less…
ok, don’t let me be led into the light about anything I shouldn’t be led into the light about. don’t let me get with it about anything I shouldn’t get with it about.
keep expecting things to happen the way they should whether they do or not.
resigning is premature, doesn’t there have to be a Senate confirmation?