Edith J. Patterson

Edith J. Patterson is an incumbent Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 28 in Charles County, seeking re-election in 2026. Born November 18, 1945, she was first elected in 2014 and has served in the House since January 2015, making 2026 her bid for a fourth term. She is a former science teacher who came to Charles County to teach biology and physics at John Hanson Middle School in Waldorf, and her background in education has been a centerpiece of her legislative career. Before serving in the House, Patterson was appointed to the Charles County Board of Commissioners in 2005, becoming the first African American to serve in that role, and was subsequently elected commissioner in 2006. She lost her re-election bid in 2010 before returning to public service through the legislature. In the House, she serves on the Ways and Means Committee and chairs its Gaming Subcommittee. She is also a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, and has chaired both the Charles County and Southern Maryland Legislative Delegations. She has twice served as a delegate to the Democratic National Committee. Her legislative priorities have included education, transportation, economic development, and housing. She is running alongside fellow District 28 Democratic incumbents Debra Davis and C.T. Wilson, though Wilson is retiring to run for state senate.