Maryland House of Delegates

Lower house of the Maryland General Assembly From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Maryland House of Delegates is the lower house of the legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. It consists of 141 delegates elected from 47 districts. The House of Delegates Chamber is in the Maryland State House on State Circle in Annapolis, which serves as the meeting place of the Maryland General Assembly. The State House also houses the Maryland State Senate and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland.[2] Each delegate has offices in Annapolis, in the nearby Casper R. Taylor Jr. House Office Building.

Type
Term limits
None
New session started
January 14, 2026
Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D)
since December 16, 2025
Quick facts Type, Term limits ...
Maryland House of Delegates
Maryland General Assembly
Coat of arms or logo
Type
Type
Term limits
None
History
New session started
January 14, 2026
Leadership
Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D)
since December 16, 2025
Speaker pro tempore
Luke Clippinger (D)
since January 14, 2026
Majority Leader
David Moon (D)
since May 17, 2023
Minority Leader
Jason Buckel (R)
since April 13, 2021
Structure
Seats141
Political groups
Majority
  •   Democratic (102)

Minority

Length of term
4 years
AuthorityArticle III, Section 2, Maryland Constitution
Salary$50,330/year[1]
Elections
First past the post in single member districts;
Plurality-at-large voting for multi-members districts.
Last election
November 8, 2022
Next election
November 3, 2026
RedistrictingLegislative Control
Meeting place
House of Delegates Chamber
Maryland State House
Annapolis, Maryland
Website
Maryland House of Delegates
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History

17th century

The Maryland House of Delegates originated as the Lower House of the General Assembly of the Province of Maryland in 1650, when it was an English colony, when the Assembly (legislature) became a bicameral body.[3] The Lower House often fought with the Upper House for political influence in the colony. The Upper House consisted of the Governor and his Council, all personally appointed by Lord Baltimore and Proprietor of the Province, and thus tended to protect his interests in Maryland. Conversely, the Lower House tended to push for political change in the colony, claiming to be the true elected representatives of the people.

In this context, the Lower House continually fought for more power by asserting exclusive rights in certain legislative areas, such as levying taxes and originating money bills. This reflected similar attitudes in the other colonies on the East Coast of North America with the beginnings and growth of representative government during the 17th century, as each province's representatives constantly agitated for more rights, powers, and respect from the Proprietors, Governors, and even the King and Parliament in London.

The Governor also had some measure of control over the Lower House in the late seventeenth century. Despite the fact that each county was entitled to elect four delegates, the governor selected only two of these to sit in the Lower House. This enabled the Governor to control the Lower House's membership.

In 1689, the transfer of Maryland from a proprietary colony to a royal colony temporarily quieted the disputes between the Lower House and the Governor and Council. Appointed by the crown, the royal governors allowed the Lower House substantial latitude with its legislative agenda. The first General Assembly under Royal Authority, in 1692, passed 85 acts in a single session. The Lower House immediately acted to remove the Governor's influence over the election of delegates. Now, elected delegates could attend the session without the need for a special writ from the Governor. At the same time, standing or continuing committees were established. These eliminated the Lower House's reliance on ad hoc committees and created the first modern legislature in Maryland. During this period, the Lower House became known as the "House of Delegates".

18th century

The Maryland Constitution of 1776 formally established the modern House of Delegates. Initially, representation was based on geography as the voters of each county elected four delegates, and two each were elected from the towns of Annapolis and Baltimore.[3] These delegates served one-year terms (increased to two years in 1845, and four years in 1922, as it is today).

19th century

Beginning with the 1838 elections, each county elected at least three and up to six delegates depending on its population. Baltimore City elected the same number of delegates as did the most populous county, but after 1840, the Town of Annapolis was then considered part of Anne Arundel County. Reapportionment was required after every federal census in an attempt to achieve equal representation.

Modern era

The current pattern for distribution of seats in the House of Delegates began with the legislative apportionment plan of 1972 and has been revised every ten years thereafter. The plan created 47 legislative districts, many of which cross county boundaries to delineate districts relatively equal in population. Each legislative district sends three delegates for a total of 141 members of the House. Some of the larger districts are divided into delegate sub-districts to provide local representation to areas not large enough to constitute an entire legislative district.[3] In a special session on May 1, 2019, Delegate Adrienne A. Jones became the first woman and the first African American to be elected Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.[4] Jones stepped down on December 4, 2025,[5] and was succeeded by Joseline Peña-Melnyk, the first Afro-Latina speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.[6]

Powers and functions

The powers and functions of the Maryland House of Delegates are outlined in the Maryland Constitution. Along with the State Senate, the House has the power to approve laws, establish executive departments, levy taxes, and propose state constitutional amendments. Both houses also have the power to elect the state treasurer and to appoint a new Governor if the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor are simultaneously vacant. In addition, the House of Delegates has the sole power to impeach members of the executive branch, including the Governor. Once the House of Delegates has passed articles of impeachment, the person impeached stands trial before the State Senate.

Organization

The House of Delegates utilizes a number of different organizational structures. Much of the work of drafting and reviewing bills is done by six standing committees: Appropriations, Economic Matters, Environment and Transportation, Health and Government Operations, Judiciary, and Ways and Means. Each of these committees is then divided further into sub-committees by issue area. An additional continuing committee, Executive Nominations, has the responsibility for confirming appointments of the Governor. Delegates also divide themselves into a variety of legally recognized work groups, Joint and Special Committees, caucuses, and geographic delegations. The two largest caucuses are those of the Democratic and Republican Parties.

Smaller caucuses might group Delegates by identity, such as the Women's Caucus,[7] notably the first women's legislative caucus founded in the United States.[8] The Asian-American and Pacific Islander caucus,[9] or Legislative Black Caucus are other examples. Delegates may also organize by issue or area of experience, such as the Veterans' Caucus.[10] In addition, delegates from a certain county, smaller towns, or Baltimore City might organize its delegate delegation into a caucus-style group, such as the Baltimore City Delegation or the Western Maryland Delegation.

Composition

Map of Maryland house of delegates electoral districts:
More information 3 sub-districts, 2 sub-districts ...
3 sub-districts2 sub-districts1 sub-district
  3 dem.
  2 dem., 1 rep.
  1 dem., 2 rep.
  3 rep.		   2 dem.
  1 dem., 1 rep.
  2 rep.		   1 dem.
  1 rep.
  1 ind.
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More information Affiliation, Party (Shading indicates majority caucus) ...
Affiliation Party
(Shading indicates majority caucus)
 Total
Democratic Republican Green Ind Vacant
2007–2010 Session 104 36 0 1[11] 141 0
2011–2014 Session 98 43 0 0 141 0
Begin 2015[12] 91 50 0 0 141 0
End 2018[13][14] 49 1 0
2019–2022 Session 99 42 0 0 141 0
Begin 2023 102 39 0 0 141 0
Latest voting share 72.3% 27.7%
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Leadership

Current leadership in the Maryland House of Delegates.[15]

More information Position, Name ...
PositionNamePartyDistrict
Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-MelnykDemocratic21
Speaker Pro Tempore Luke ClippingerDemocratic46
Majority Leader David MoonDemocratic20
Majority Whip Ashanti MartinezDemocratic22
Minority Leader Jason C. BuckelRepublican1B
Minority Whip Jesse PippyRepublican4
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Committees

As of December 2025:[16]

More information Committee, Chairpersons ...
CommitteeChairpersonsSubcommittees
Appropriations Ben Barnes (D–College Park), Chair

Anne Kaiser (D–Brookeville), Vice Chair
  • Capital Budget Subcommittee
  • Education & Economic Development Subcommittee
  • Health & Social Services Subcommittee
  • Racing & Sports Facilities
  • Public Safety & Administration Subcommittee
  • Transportation & the Environment Subcommittee
  • Oversight Committee on Pensions
Economic Matters Kris Valderrama (D–Fort Washington), Chair

Lorig Charkoudian (D–Takoma Park), Vice Chair
  • Banking, Consumer Protection & Commercial Law Subcommittee
  • Business Regulation Subcommittee
  • Economic Development Subcommittee
  • Housing & Real Property Subcommittee
  • Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee
  • Unemployment Insurance Subcommittee
  • Workers' Compensation Subcommittee
Environment & Transportation Marc Korman (D–Bethesda), Chair

Michele Guyton (D–Phoenix), Vice Chair
  • Agriculture & Aquaculture Subcommittee
  • Energy Subcommittee
  • Environment Subcommittee
  • Land Use & Ethics Subcommittee
  • Motor Vehicles Subcommittee
  • Natural Resources & Open Space Subcommittee
  • Non-Energy Utilities Subcommittee
Health Heather Bagnall (D–Arnold), Chair

Bonnie Cullison (D–Silver Spring), Vice Chair
  • Elder & Long-Term Care Subcommittee
  • Health Facilities Subcommittee
  • Health Occupations Subcommittee
  • Insurance Subcommittee
  • Maternal, Infant & Child Health Subcommittee
  • Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee
  • Public Health & Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee
Judiciary J. Sandy Bartlett (D–Laurel), Chair

Debra M. Davis (D–Bryans Road), Vice Chair
  • Civil Law & Procedure Subcommittee
  • Criminal Law & Procedure Subcommittee
  • Estates & Trusts Subcommittee
  • Family Law Subcommittee
  • Juvenile Law Subcommittee
  • Property & Casualty Insurance Subcommittee
  • Public Safety Subcommittee
Government, Labor, & Elections Melissa Wells (D–Baltimore), Chair

Kenneth P. Kerr (D–Frederick), Vice Chair
  • Alcoholic Beverages Subcommittee
  • Corrections Subcommittee
  • Election Law Subcommittee
  • Government Operations & Ethics Subcommittee
  • Labor Subcommittee
  • Local Government & Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee
  • Oversight Committee on Personnel
Rules & Executive Nominations Anne Healey (D–Hyattsville), Chair

Marvin E. Holmes Jr. (D–Upper Marlboro), Vice Chair
Ways & Means Jheanelle Wilkins (D–Greenbelt), Chair

Jessica Feldmark (D–Columbia), Vice Chair
  • Child Care Subcommittee
  • Early Childhood & Special Education Subcommittee
  • Gaming Subcommittee
  • K-12 Education Subcommittee
  • Local Revenues Subcommittee
  • Revenues Subcommittee
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Membership

More information District, Counties ...
Current members of the Maryland House of Delegates
District Counties Name Party Start Committee(s) Refs.
1A Allegany, Garrett Jim Hinebaugh Republican January 11, 2023 Appropriations [17]
1B Allegany Jason C. Buckel Republican January 14, 2015 Ways and Means
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [18]
1C Allegany, Washington Terry Baker Republican January 11, 2023 Environment and Transportation [19]
2A Washington William J. Wivell Republican March 16, 2015 Economic Matters [20]
William Valentine Republican January 11, 2023 Judiciary [21]
2B Washington Matthew Schindler Democratic January 7, 2025 Government, Labor, and Elections [22]
3 Frederick Ken Kerr Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections (vice chair) [23]
Kris Fair Democratic January 11, 2023 Government, Labor, and Elections [24]
Karen Simpson Democratic January 11, 2023 Judiciary [25]
4 Carroll, Frederick Barrie Ciliberti Republican February 4, 2015[a] Government, Labor, and Elections [26]
Jesse Pippy Republican January 9, 2019 Economic Matters
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [27]
April Fleming Miller Republican January 11, 2023 Ways and Means [28]
5 Carroll April Rose Republican March 16, 2015 Economic Matters [29]
Christopher Eric Bouchat Republican January 11, 2023 Judiciary [30]
Chris Tomlinson Republican January 11, 2023 Government, Labor, and Elections [31]
6 Baltimore County Robin Grammer Jr. Republican January 14, 2015 Environment and Transportation [32]
Bob Long Republican January 14, 2015 Ways and Means [33]
Richard W. Metzgar Republican January 14, 2015 Appropriations [34]
7A Baltimore County Kathy Szeliga Republican January 12, 2011 Health
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [35]
Ryan Nawrocki Republican January 11, 2023 Environment and Transportation [36]
7B Harford Lauren Arikan Republican January 9, 2019 Judiciary [37]
8 Baltimore County Harry Bhandari Democratic January 9, 2019 Economic Matters [38]
Nick Allen Democratic January 11, 2023 Environment and Transportation [39]
Kim Ross Democratic March 3, 2025 Health [40]
9A Howard, Montgomery Chao Wu Democratic January 11, 2023 Government, Labor, and Elections [41]
Natalie Ziegler Democratic January 11, 2023 Environment and Transportation [42]
9B Howard Courtney Watson Democratic January 9, 2019 Appropriations [43]
10 Baltimore County Adrienne A. Jones Democratic October 21, 1997 Appropriations [44]
N. Scott Phillips Democratic January 11, 2023 Judiciary [45]
Jennifer White Holland Democratic January 11, 2023 Health [46]
11A Baltimore County Cheryl Pasteur Democratic January 11, 2023 Ways and Means [47]
11B Baltimore County Jon S. Cardin Democratic January 9, 2019 Judiciary [48]
Dana Stein Democratic January 10, 2007[b] Environment and Transportation
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [49]
12A Howard Jessica Feldmark Democratic January 9, 2019 Ways and Means (vice chair) [50]
Terri L. Hill Democratic January 14, 2015 Health [51]
12B Anne Arundel Gary Simmons Democratic January 11, 2023 Judiciary [52]
13 Howard Gabriel Moreno Democratic January 13, 2026 Judiciary [53]
Jennifer R. Terrasa Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections [54]
Pam Guzzone Democratic January 11, 2023 Health [55]
14 Montgomery Anne Kaiser Democratic January 8, 2003 Appropriations (vice chair) [56]
Pamela E. Queen Democratic February 26, 2016 Economic Matters [57]
Bernice Mireku-North Democratic January 11, 2023 Ways and Means [58]
15 Montgomery Linda Foley Democratic December 17, 2021 Environment and Transportation [59]
David Fraser-Hidalgo Democratic October 21, 2013 Environment and Transportation [60]
Lily Qi Democratic January 9, 2019 Economic Matters [61]
16 Montgomery Sarah Wolek Democratic April 3, 2023 Appropriations [62]
Marc Korman Democratic January 14, 2015 Environment and Transportation (chair)
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [63]
Teresa Saavedra Woorman Democratic August 12, 2024 Health [64]
17 Montgomery Julie Palakovich Carr Democratic January 9, 2019 Ways and Means [65]
Ryan Spiegel Democratic July 6, 2023 Appropriations [66]
Joe Vogel Democratic January 11, 2023 Ways and Means [67]
18 Montgomery Emily Shetty Democratic January 9, 2019 Appropriations
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [68]
Jared Solomon Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections [69]
Aaron Kaufman Democratic January 11, 2023 Health [70]
19 Montgomery Bonnie Cullison Democratic January 12, 2011 Health (vice chair)
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [71]
Charlotte Crutchfield Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections [72]
Vaughn Stewart Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections [73]
20 Montgomery Lorig Charkoudian Democratic January 9, 2019 Economic Matters (vice chair) [74]
David Moon Democratic January 14, 2015 Judiciary
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [75]
Jheanelle Wilkins Democratic January 25, 2017 Ways and Means (chair)
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [76]
21 Anne Arundel, Prince George's Ben Barnes Democratic January 10, 2007 Appropriations (Chair)
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [77]
Mary A. Lehman Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections [78]
Joseline Peña-Melnyk Democratic January 10, 2007 Speaker
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [79]
22 Prince George's Nicole A. Williams Democratic December 6, 2019 Judiciary [80]
Anne Healey Democratic January 9, 1991 Environment and Transportation
Rules and Executive Nominations (chair)		 [81]
Ashanti Martinez Democratic February 24, 2023 Health [82]
23 Prince George's Marvin E. Holmes Jr. Democratic January 8, 2003 Environment and Transportation
Rules and Executive Nominations (vice chair)		 [83]
Adrian Boafo Democratic January 11, 2023 Economic Matters [84]
Kym Taylor Democratic January 11, 2023 Judiciary [85]
24 Prince George's Tiffany T. Alston Democratic January 11, 2023[c] Health [86]
Andrea Harrison Democratic January 9, 2019 Appropriations [87]
Derrick Coley Democratic January 13, 2026 Ways and Means [88]
25 Prince George's Kent Roberson Democratic May 30, 2023 Ways and Means [89]
Denise Roberts Democratic January 8, 2024 Economic Matters [90]
Karen Toles Democratic January 12, 2022 Appropriations [91]
26 Prince George's Veronica L. Turner Democratic January 9, 2019 Economic Matters [92]
Kris Valderrama Democratic January 10, 2007 Economic Matters (chair)
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [93]
Jamila Woods Democratic January 11, 2023 Judiciary [94]
27A Charles, Prince George's Darrell Odom Democratic January 13, 2026 Environment and Transportation [95]
27B Calvert, Prince George's Jeffrie Long Jr. Democratic January 11, 2023 Environment and Transportation [96]
27C Calvert Mark N. Fisher Republican January 12, 2011 Government, Labor, and Elections [97]
28 Charles Debra Davis Democratic January 9, 2019 Judiciary (vice chair) [98]
Edith J. Patterson Democratic January 14, 2015 Ways and Means [99]
C. T. Wilson Democratic January 12, 2011 Government, Labor, and Elections
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [100]
29A St. Mary's Matthew Morgan Republican January 14, 2015 Health [101]
29B St. Mary's Brian M. Crosby Democratic January 9, 2019 Economic Matters
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [102]
29C Calvert, St. Mary's Todd Morgan Republican January 11, 2023 Environment and Transportation [103]
30A Anne Arundel Dylan Behler Democratic February 6, 2025 Environment and Transportation [104]
Dana Jones Democratic May 1, 2020 Appropriations [105]
30B Anne Arundel Seth A. Howard Republican January 14, 2015 Economic Matters [106]
31 Anne Arundel Brian Chisholm Republican January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections [107]
Nic Kipke Republican January 10, 2007 Health
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [108]
LaToya Nkongolo Republican January 10, 2025 Judiciary [109]
32 Anne Arundel J. Sandy Bartlett Democratic January 9, 2019 Judiciary (chair)
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [110]
Mark S. Chang Democratic January 14, 2015 Appropriations
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [111]
Mike Rogers Democratic January 9, 2019 Economic Matters [112]
33A Anne Arundel Andrew Pruski Democratic January 11, 2023 Economic Matters [113]
33B Anne Arundel Stuart Schmidt Jr. Republican January 11, 2023 Judiciary [114]
33C Anne Arundel Heather Bagnall Democratic January 9, 2019 Health (chair) [115]
34A Harford Steven C. Johnson Democratic January 9, 2019 Health [116]
Andre Johnson Jr. Democratic January 11, 2023 Economic Matters [117]
34B Harford Susan K. McComas Republican January 8, 2003 Appropriations [118]
35A Harford, Cecil Mike Griffith Republican January 7, 2020 Ways and Means [119]
Teresa E. Reilly Republican January 14, 2015 Health
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [120]
35B Cecil Kevin Hornberger Republican January 14, 2015 Ways and Means [121]
36 Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's Steven J. Arentz Republican November 19, 2013 Economic Matters [122]
Jefferson L. Ghrist Republican January 14, 2015 Appropriations
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [123]
Jay Jacobs Republican January 12, 2011 Environment and Transportation [124]
37A Dorchester, Wicomico Sheree Sample-Hughes Democratic January 14, 2015 Government, Labor, and Elections [125]
37B Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico Christopher T. Adams Republican January 14, 2015 Economic Matters [126]
Tom Hutchinson Republican January 11, 2023 Health [127]
38A Somerset, Wicomico Kevin Anderson Republican November 25, 2025 Environment and Transportation [128]
38B Wicomico, Worcester Barry Beauchamp Republican September 10, 2024 Appropriations [129]
38C Wicomico, Worcester Wayne A. Hartman Republican January 9, 2019 Ways and Means [130]
39 Montgomery Gabriel Acevero Democratic January 9, 2019 Appropriations [131]
Lesley Lopez Democratic January 9, 2019 Health [132]
W. Gregory Wims Democratic May 2, 2023 Ways and Means [133]
40 Baltimore Marlon Amprey Democratic January 13, 2021 Economic Matters [134]
Frank M. Conaway Jr. Democratic January 10, 2007 Judiciary [135]
Melissa Wells Democratic January 9, 2019 Government, Labor, and Elections (chair) [136]
41 Baltimore Sean Stinnett Democratic March 3, 2025 Judiciary [137]
Malcolm Ruff Democratic July 6, 2023 Appropriations [138]
Samuel I. Rosenberg Democratic January 12, 1983 Health [139]
42A Baltimore County Alex Harlan Republican August 3, 2026 Judiciary [140]
42B Baltimore County Michele Guyton Democratic January 9, 2019 Environment and Transportation (vice chair) [141]
42C Carroll Joshua Stonko Republican January 11, 2023 Appropriations [142]
43A Baltimore Regina T. Boyce Democratic January 9, 2019 Environment and Transportation
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [143]
Elizabeth Embry Democratic January 11, 2023 Judiciary [144]
43B Baltimore County Cathi Forbes Democratic October 29, 2019 Appropriations [145]
44A Baltimore Eric Ebersole Democratic January 14, 2015 Ways and Means [146]
44B Baltimore County Sheila Ruth Democratic January 31, 2020 Government, Labor, and Elections [147]
Aletheia McCaskill Democratic January 11, 2023 Appropriations [148]
45 Baltimore Stephanie M. Smith Democratic January 9, 2019 Appropriations
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [149]
Jackie Addison Democratic January 11, 2023 Ways and Means [150]
Caylin Young Democratic January 11, 2023 Ways and Means [151]
46 Baltimore Luke Clippinger Democratic January 12, 2011 Government, Labor, and Elections
Rules and Executive Nominations		 [152]
Robbyn Lewis Democratic January 10, 2017 Environment and Transportation [153]
Mark Edelson Democratic January 11, 2023 Appropriations [154]
47A Prince George's Diana M. Fennell Democratic January 14, 2015 Economic Matters [155]
Julian Ivey Democratic January 9, 2019 Appropriations [156]
47B Prince George's Deni Taveras Democratic January 11, 2023 Health [157]
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Notes

  1. [a]
    Previous service: January 11, 1995, to January 13, 1999
  2. [b]
    Previous service: June 25, 2002, to January 8, 2003
  3. [c]
    Previous service: January 12, 2011, to October 9, 2012

See also

References

Further reading

External links

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