List of current members of the Maryland Senate

Last updated

Party Composition of Maryland State Senate districts. Maryland Senate Map January 2023.svg
Party Composition of Maryland State Senate districts.

The Maryland Senate is the upper house of the Maryland General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Maryland. One Senator is elected from each of the state's 47 electoral districts. As of January 2023, 34 of those seats are held by Democrats and 13 by Republicans. The leader of the Senate is known as the President, a position currently held by Bill Ferguson, who represents Baltimore. In addition, senators elect a President Pro Tempore, and the respective party caucuses elect a majority and minority leader and a majority and minority whip.

Contents

Senators are elected in even-numbered years when the President of the United States is not being elected, similar to most other state offices in Maryland. The most recent election was in November 2022. Senators are not term-limited. Should a Senator resign from office before his or her term expires, the local central committee of the party to which the retiring senator belonged makes a recommendation to the Governor for whom to appoint to the open seat. It is tradition for the Governor to appoint the recommended person. [1] Nine of the current members of the Maryland State Senate were originally appointed, all of whom have since been elected in their own right. [2] Newly elected senators are sworn in and begin work on the second Wednesday of the January following their election. [3]

Each Senator has at least one standing committee assignment. The first is to one of the four legislative committees: Budget and Taxation; Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs (listed in this table as Education, Health, and Environment); Finance; or Judicial Proceedings. A number of senators have secondary committee assignments, most prominently to the Executive Nominations Committee, which oversees the constitutional responsibility of the Senate to approve nominations by the Governor. Assignment to the Rules or Executive Nominations committees or to any Ad Hoc committees is not noted.

Current party composition

Composition as of the beginning of the 2019–2022 term on January 9, 2019:

AffiliationSenators
  Democratic Party 34
  Republican Party 13
 Total
47
 Democratic majority
20 (

During the 2015–2018 term, the State Senate was made up of 33 Democrats and 14 Republicans. Republicans gained two seats (District 38 in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties and District 42 in Baltimore County), while losing one seat (District 9 in Howard and Carroll counties) in the elections held on November 6, 2018. [4] Democrats maintain a super-majority in the chamber. Article II, Section 17(a) of the Maryland Constitution specifies it takes a three-fifths vote of both chambers to override a veto, [5] which is 29 votes in the State Senate. The rules of the Senate also permit members to limit debate by a three-fifths majority vote, meaning Republicans would need to gain four additional seats, for a total of 19, in order to sustain a veto or filibuster legislation.

Current leadership

The below table reflects the current leadership of the Maryland State Senate as of October 4, 2021. [6]

PositionNamePartyDistrict
President of the Senate Bill Ferguson Democratic 46
President pro tem Malcolm Augustine Democratic 47
Majority Leader Nancy J. King Democratic 39
Majority Vice Leader Joanne C. Benson Democratic 24
Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. Republican 36
Minority Vice Leader Justin Ready [7] Republican 5

Current state senators

DistrictJurisdiction(s) representedImageSenatorPartyFirst electedPrimary committee
1 Allegany, Garrett, and Washington [8] Delegate Mike McKay.jpg Mike McKay [9] Republican [9] 2022 [9] Judicial Proceedings
2 Washington [8] Paul Corderman.jpg Paul D. Corderman [10] Republican [10] Appointed and sworn in on September 1, 2020; first elected November 2022Budget and Taxation
3 Frederick [8] WLB 1821 (49453126858).jpg Karen Lewis Young [11] Democratic [11] 2022 [11] Education, Energy, and the Environment
4 Frederick [8] Officer William Folden.jpg William Folden [12] Republican [12] 2022 [12] Judicial Proceedings
5 Carroll [8] Maryland State Senator Justin Ready (cropped).jpg Justin Ready [13] Republican [13] Appointed and sworn in on February 2, 2015; first elected November 2018 [13] Finance
6 Baltimore County [8] Johnny Ray Salling.jpg Johnny Ray Salling [14] Republican [14] 2014 [14] Budget and Taxation
7 Baltimore County and Harford [8] J. B. Jennings (November 2007).jpg J. B. Jennings [15] Republican [15] 2010 [15] Budget and Taxation
8 Baltimore County [8] Katherine A. Klausmeier (2008).jpg Katherine A. Klausmeier [16] Democratic [16] 2002 [16] Finance
9 Carroll and Howard [8] Katie Fry Hester.jpg Katie Fry Hester [17] Democratic [17] 2018 [17] Education, Energy, and the Environment
10 Baltimore County [8] Benjamin Brooks.jpg Benjamin Brooks [18] Democratic [18] 2022 [18] Education, Energy, and the Environment
11 Baltimore County [8] Shelly L. Hettleman (43851085140).jpg Shelly L. Hettleman [19] Democratic [19] Appointed January 30, 2020 and sworn in on February 3, 2020; first elected November 2022 [19] Budget and Taxation
12 Baltimore County and Howard [8] Clarence Lam.jpg Clarence Lam [20] Democratic [20] 2018 [20] Finance
13 Howard [8] Guzzone 2019 Headshot.jpg Guy Guzzone [21] Democratic [21] 2014 [21] Budget and Taxation (Chair)
14 Montgomery [8] CraigZucker.JPG Craig Zucker [22] Democratic [22] Appointed February 3, 2016 and sworn in on February 4, 2016; first elected November 2018 [22] Budget and Taxation
15 Montgomery [8] FeldmanHeadshot Web.jpg Brian Feldman [23] Democratic [23] Appointed September 12, 2013 and sworn in on September 17, 2013; first elected 2014 [23] Education, Energy, and the Environment (Chair)
16 Montgomery [8] Vacant since May 6, 2024 [24]
17 Montgomery [8] CherylKagan.jpg Cheryl Kagan [25] Democratic [25] 2014 [25] Education, Energy, and the Environment
18 Montgomery [8] Delegate jeff waldstreicher.png Jeff Waldstreicher [26] Democratic [26] 2018 [26] Judicial Proceedings
19 Montgomery [8] Benjamin F. Kramer (5231388739).jpg Benjamin F. Kramer [27] Democratic [27] 2018 [27] Finance
20 Montgomery [8] WSmithWiki.jpg William C. Smith Jr. [28] Democratic [28] Appointed December 13, 2016 and sworn in on December 21, 2016; first elected November 2018 [28] Judicial Proceedings (Chair)
21 Anne Arundel and Prince George's [8] James Rosapepe (2009).jpg James Rosapepe [29] Democratic [29] 2006 [29] Budget and Taxation
22 Prince George's [8] ATW 2014 Headshot.jpg Alonzo T. Washington [30] Democratic [30] Appointed and sworn in on January 27, 2023 [30] Finance
23 Prince George's [8] Ron Watson Feb2023.jpg Ron Watson [31] Democratic [31] Appointed August 27, 2021 and sworn in on August 31, 2021; first elected November 2022 [31] Education, Energy, and the Environment
24 Prince George's [8] Joanne C. Benson (2007).jpg Joanne C. Benson [32] Democratic [32] 2010 [32] Budget and Taxation
25 Prince George's [8] Delegate Nick Charles Official Headshot.jpg Nick Charles DemocraticAppointed and sworn in on December 5, 2023Judicial Proceedings
26 Prince George's C. Anthony Muse (May 2008).jpg C. Anthony Muse [33] Democratic [33] 2022 [33] Judicial Proceedings
27 Calvert, Charles and Prince George's [8] Maryland Delegate Michael Jackson.jpg Michael A. Jackson [34] Democratic [35] 2021 [35] Budget and Taxation
28 Charles [8] Arthur Ellis.jpg Arthur Ellis [36] Democratic [36] 2018 [36] Finance
29 Calvert, and St. Mary's [8] Delegate Jack Bailey.jpg Jack Bailey [37] Republican [37] 2018 [37] Budget and Taxation
30 Anne Arundel [8] Senator Elfreth.jpg Sarah Elfreth [38] Democratic [38] 2018 [38] Budget and Taxation
31 Anne Arundel [8] Bryan Simonaire (2009).jpg Bryan Simonaire [39] Republican [39] 2006 [39] Education, Energy, and the Environment
32 Anne Arundel [8] Pamela Beidle (2007).jpg Pamela Beidle [40] Democratic [40] 2018 [40] Finance (Chair)
33 Anne Arundel [8] Legislative Breakfast (52663156885) (cropped).jpg Dawn Gile [41] Democratic [41] 2022 [41] Finance
34 Harford [8] Mary-Dulany James (2008).jpg Mary-Dulany James [42] Democratic [42] 2022 [42] Judicial Proceedings
35 Cecil and Harford [8] Jason Gallion February 2019.jpg Jason C. Gallion Republican2018Education, Energy, and the Environment
36 Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's [8] Stephen S. Hershey, Jr. (2011).jpg Stephen S. Hershey Jr. RepublicanAppointed September 18, 2013 and sworn in on October 1, 2013; first elected 2014Finance
37 Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, and Wicomico [8] Delegate Mautz.jpg Johnny Mautz [43] Republican [43] 2022 [43] Finance
38 Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester [8] Mary Beth Carozza.jpg Mary Beth Carozza Republican2018Education, Energy, and the Environment
39 Montgomery [8] Nancy J. King (cropped).jpg Nancy J. King DemocraticAppointed and sworn in on September 5, 2007; first elected 2010Budget and Taxation
40 Baltimore [8] Delegate Antonio Hayes.jpg Antonio Hayes Democratic2018Finance
41 Baltimore [8] Sen. Jill Carter (53399673714).jpg Jill P. Carter DemocraticAppointed and sworn in on April 30, 2018; first elected 2018Judicial Proceedings
42 Baltimore County [8] Delegate Chris West.jpg Chris West Republican2018Judicial Proceedings
43 Baltimore [8] 1mary washington.jpg Mary L. Washington Democratic2018Education, Energy, and the Environment
44 Baltimore and Baltimore County [8] Charles E. Sydnor III.jpg Charles E. Sydnor III Democratic2019Judicial Proceedings
45 Baltimore [8] Delegate Cory McCray.jpg Cory V. McCray Democratic2018Budget and Taxation
46 Baltimore [8] Bill Ferguson (2011).jpg Bill Ferguson Democratic2010President of the Senate [b]
47 Prince George's [8]

Malcolm Augustine Mar2023.jpg

Malcolm Augustine Democratic2018Education, Energy, and the Environment

Notes

a This Senator was originally appointed to office by the Governor to fill an open seat.

b The President of the Senate does not serve on any of the four standing legislative committees. He does, however, serve on both the Executive Nominations and the Rules Committees.

See also

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References

General
Specific
  1. ↑ "Article III". Constitution of Maryland. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
  2. ↑ "Maryland Senate, Appointments by Governor". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2019-01-24.
  3. ↑ "Constitution of Maryland:Article III, Legislative Department". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
  4. ↑ "Maryland Senate GOP re-elects Jennings as minority leader, Hershey as whip". baltimoresun.com. November 27, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  5. ↑ "Constitution of Maryland, Article II, Executive Department". Maryland Manual On-Line. September 29, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Members - Senate". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2021-10-08.
  7. ↑ "Justin D. Ready, Maryland State Senator". msa.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2021-10-09.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 "Legislator List – By District". General Assembly of Maryland. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  9. 1 2 3 "Senator Mike McKay". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Paul D. Corderman, Maryland State Senator". msa.maryland.gov. Maryland Manual On-Line. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  11. 1 2 3 "Senator Karen Lewis Young". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 "Senator William G. Folden". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 "Senator Justin Ready". General Assembly of Maryland. December 2, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  14. 1 2 3 "Senator Johnny Ray Salling". General Assembly of Maryland. January 16, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  15. 1 2 3 "Senator J.B. Jennings". General Assembly of Maryland. January 31, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  16. 1 2 3 "Senator Katherine Klausmeier". General Assembly of Maryland. March 20, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  17. 1 2 3 "Kathryn A. (Katie) Fry Hester". Maryland Manual. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  18. 1 2 3 "Senator Benjamin Brooks". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  19. 1 2 3 "Shelly L. Hettleman". Maryland Manual. February 3, 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  20. 1 2 3 "Clarence K. Lam, M.D." Maryland Manual. January 15, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  21. 1 2 3 "Senator Guy Guzzone". General Assembly of Maryland. February 28, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  22. 1 2 3 "Senator Craig J. Zucker". General Assembly of Maryland. January 17, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  23. 1 2 3 "Senator Brian J. Feldman". Maryland General Assembly. February 28, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  24. ↑ Sears, Bryan P. (March 22, 2024). "Kelly announces departure from Senate". Maryland Matters . Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  25. 1 2 3 "Senator Cheryl C. Kagan". General Assembly of Maryland. December 12, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  26. 1 2 3 "Jeffrey D. Waldstreicher". Maryland Manual. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  27. 1 2 3 "Benjamin F. Kramer". Maryland Manual. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  28. 1 2 3 "Senator William C. Smith, Jr". General Assembly of Maryland. January 20, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  29. 1 2 3 "Senator Jim Rosapepe". General Assembly of Maryland. January 12, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  30. 1 2 3 "Senator Alonzo T. Washington". General Assembly of Maryland. January 27, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  31. 1 2 3 "Senator Ron Watson". General Assembly of Maryland. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  32. 1 2 3 "Senator Joanne C. Benson". General Assembly of Maryland. January 11, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  33. 1 2 3 "Senator C. Anthony Muse". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  34. ↑ MADDEN, MARTY. "Governor appoints Jackson to succeed Miller in state senate". SoMdNews.com. Retrieved 2021-08-21.
  35. 1 2 "Members - Senator Michael A. Jackson". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2021-08-21.
  36. 1 2 3 "Arthur Ellis (Maryland politician)". Maryland Manual. January 18, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  37. 1 2 3 "John D. (Jack) Bailey". Maryland Manual. January 15, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  38. 1 2 3 "Sarah K. Elfreth". Maryland Manual. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  39. 1 2 3 "Senator Bryan W. Simonaire". General Assembly of Maryland. February 21, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  40. 1 2 3 "Senator James E. DeGrange, Sr". Maryland Manual. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  41. 1 2 3 "Senator Dawn Gile". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  42. 1 2 3 "Senator Mary-Dulany James". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  43. 1 2 3 "Senator Johnny Mautz". General Assembly of Maryland. January 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.

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