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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 21 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Members of the Maryland House of Delegates represent their local districts in the state legislature by proposing, debating, and voting on laws that impact public education, healthcare, and transportation. They work alongside the state Senate to pass Maryland’s annual budget and determine how tax dollars are allocated to community services and infrastructure projects. This office is vital because delegates shape the statewide policies and spending priorities that directly influence the daily lives of all residents.
View all candidates in this raceBen Barnes is a Maryland House of Delegates Member representing the 21st District, serving Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties since being elected in 2006. Born on March 30, 1975, he was raised by his mother with support from extended family in Prince George's County and graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He worked at People for the American Way as a progressive advocate on civil rights and first amendment issues, served as National Committeeman for Young Democrats of Maryland, and later became an attorney after attending University of Baltimore School of Law at night while working legislative roles with the Senate President. Currently Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and living in College Park with his wife Caitlin and three sons, Barnes champions public education access, environmental protection including fracking bans and renewable energy expansion, affordable healthcare with insulin copayment limits and reproductive freedom support, paid family leave through the Time To Care Act, senior citizens' retirement income protection via HB 1468, and local investments in schools, Laurel Hospital, and Route improvements.
Sources: Campaign website
As a proud representative of the 21st District in the state legislature, your priorities are my priorities. My standard for success is a thriving and fair community where you and your family are happy to live, work and play.
Every Marylander should have access to affordable healthcare. During the 2022 Legislative Session, I was pleased to sponsor legislation signed into law that limits copayment amounts for insulin.
As the son of a single mom, I vividly recall her angst as she balanced staying home with me or getting paid for the day. As a longtime supporter of paid family leave, I was thrilled to co-sponsor the Time To Care Act of 2022.
Together, my 21st District colleagues and I have secured record funding for Anne Arundel and Prince George's County Public Schools.
I believe that our district and our state are at their best when education is accessible, our environment is protected, and our families and communities are supported.
Source: delegatebenbarnes.com
Public Education
Barnes advocates for expanding opportunity by bringing vital funding to the County, fending off efforts to privatize public schools, and reducing reliance on testing as a means to assess school success. He has sponsored key pieces of legislation that provide educational opportunity and protect students.
“As a product of public schools, I understand exactly how critical they are to ensuring every child gets a fair shot.”
Environment
Barnes supports protecting the environment, expanding renewable energy, and combating global warming. He has worked to reduce Maryland's reliance on carbon by supporting a ban on fracking and co-sponsored legislation to increase Maryland's use of renewable energy.
“Protecting the environment, expanding renewable energy and combating global warming are crucial for our communities and our economy.”
Healthcare
Barnes sponsors legislation that limits copayment amounts for insulin. He stands with Democratic colleagues to pass legislation protecting Marylanders if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and champions reproductive freedom and abortion rights.
“Every Marylander should have access to affordable healthcare.”
Paid Family Leave
As a longtime supporter of paid family leave, Barnes co-sponsored the Time To Care Act of 2022. He recalls his mother's struggle balancing staying home with him or getting paid for the day.
“I was thrilled to co-sponsor the Time To Care Act of 2022.”
Seniors
As primary sponsor of House Bill 1468, Barnes successfully fought to protect senior citizens' retirement income when legislation was signed into law by the Governor.
“Likewise, as the primary sponsor of House Bill 1468, I successfully fought to protect our senior citizens' retirement income.”
Local Investment
Barnes and his colleagues secured record funding for Anne Arundel and Prince George's County Public Schools, ensured Laurel Hospital continues to operate, secured funding for modernizing and expanding Route 175 in Odenton, and obtained $7.1 million for Route 1 improvements.
“Together, my 21st District colleagues and I have secured record funding for Anne Arundel and Prince George's County Public Schools.”
“As a product of public schools, I understand exactly how critical they are to ensuring every child gets a fair shot.”
Source“Protecting the environment, expanding renewable energy and combating global warming are crucial for our communities and our economy.”
Source“Every Marylander should have access to affordable healthcare. During the 2022 Legislative Session, I was pleased to sponsor legislation signed into law that limits copayment amounts for insulin.”
Source“Likewise, as the primary sponsor of House Bill 1468, I successfully fought to protect our senior citizens' retirement income when this legislation was signed into law by the Governor.”
Source“Together, my 21st District colleagues and I have secured record funding for Anne Arundel and Prince George's County Public Schools. Secured funding for modernizing and expanding Route 175 in Odenton.”
Source