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State Senator · Legislative District 40 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Maryland State Senators represent their local districts in the General Assembly, where they propose and vote on laws covering issues like education, transportation, and public safety. They are responsible for approving the state’s annual budget and have the unique power to confirm or reject the Governor’s appointments for judges and agency leaders. This office is critical because its decisions determine how state tax dollars are spent and which policies govern your local community.
View all candidates in this raceAntonio Hayes is a Maryland State Senator representing District 40 who began his public service career 25 years ago as an officer in his community association. His background includes work as a Community Organizer for Maryland's HotSpots program, Legislative Director for Baltimore City Council President, Assistant Deputy Mayor overseeing public safety agencies where crime decreased annually, and Chief of Staff for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services where his team reduced children in foster care by over 58%. Named one of the 10 most effective freshman delegates in Maryland, he currently occupies the Senate seat. Hayes stands for delivering tangible results rather than hot air and big promises, emphasizing that neighborhoods deserve a leader who will deliver on commitments made to families and neighbors.
Sources: Campaign website
"Antonio's job is to do the most, for those who have the least."
"Our neighborhoods deserve a leader who will deliver. The greatest guarantee of what will happen tomorrow is what takes place today, and today Antonio stands before our community with a track record of success you can see, rooted in a fierce commitment to the urgency of now."
"I'm proud to see HERC recognized as a powerful example of transforming public health through place-based, people-powered innovation. This program shows how government and communities can partner to deliver real results by investing directly into trusted local coalitions to meet residents where they are and build healthier communities."
Source: antoniohayes.com
Paid Family Leave
The Time to Care Act would offer Marylanders 12 weeks of partially paid family leave each year to care for themselves after a serious health issue and up to 24 weeks of paid leave for new parents. Hayes stated employers with under 14 employees will not be required to make contributions but employees can participate.
“"The Time to Care Act, sponsored by Sens. Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City) and Joanne Benson (D-Prince George's), would offer Marylanders 12 weeks of partially paid family leave each year to care for themselves after a serious health issue and up to 24 weeks of paid leave for new parents."”
Health Equity
HERC initiative is a statewide effort designed to channel resources into community-based coalitions that deliver both health and social services where needed most, addressing underlying issues such as food access, housing stability, and employment.
“"It is an honor to be named a finalist in the NewDEAL Forum's Ideas Challenge on such an important issue. I'm proud to see HERC recognized as a powerful example of transforming public health through place-based, people-powered innovation. This program shows how government and communities can partner to deliver real results by investing directly into trusted local coalitions to meet residents where they are and build healthier communities."”
Real Estate Appraisals
Legislation addressing racial bias in real estate appraisals that have robbed people of color from generational wealth in Maryland for decades.
“"Racial bias in real estate appraisals have robbed people of color from generational wealth in Maryland for decades. Thanks to this legislation Dept of Legislative Services and the Dept of Labor will evaluate MD practice against national DEI standards."”
Education Investment
His team invested $1.3 million in Coppin State's business school, $300,000 in Morrell Park Little League and $300,000 in James Mosher Baseball—the first state support received in 57 years.
“"In just two years his team spurred local business by investing $1.3 million in Coppin State's business school... his team cared for our children by investing $300,000 in Morrell Park Little League and $300,000 in James Mosher Baseball—the first state support its received in 57 years—"”
The NewDEAL Forum named Maryland Senator Antonio Hayes one of twenty finalists in the 2025 National Ideas Challenge, recognizing his Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC) initiative as a bold solution for health equity. The program channels resources into community-based coalitions that deliver both health and social services where needed most, emphasizing equity, cultural competence, and place-based care.
“"HERC funding supports nurse-led clinics, mobile health units, behavioral health services, and social supports that address underlying issues such as food access, housing stability, and employment"”
Source“"West North Avenue is the heartbeat of West Baltimore touching more than a dozen communities suffering years of neglect and disinvestment. This legislation creates more opportunities for employment, housing transportation, education and economic development in the corridor"”
Source“"In just two years his team spurred local business by investing $1.3 million in Coppin State's business school"”
Source“"his team cared for our children by investing $300,000 in Morrell Park Little League and $300,000 in James Mosher Baseball—the first state support its received in 57 years—"”
Source“"reducing barriers for our seniors to apply tax relief to homeownership"”
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