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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 39 · 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 raceDelegate Gabriel Acevero represents Maryland's 39th District in the House of Delegates, where he became history as the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to the Maryland General Assembly and one of its youngest members. Born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, he immigrated to Montgomery County at age 16 and earned degrees from Montgomery College, UMBC, and Bowie State University before entering public service. Acevero has served on the House Appropriations Committee and was appointed by Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk to Chair the Public Safety and Administration Subcommittee of Appropriations. He entered office after beating a two-term incumbent and has tallied the second-most votes among District 39 delegate candidates in Democratic primaries for the last two election cycles.
Sources: Campaign website
"Gabe is a valued member of our Democratic Caucus and a fierce advocate for the residents of District 39. I'm proud to endorse him for re-election." — Delegate Joseline Pena Melnyk, Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates
"I have every intention of running a strong race and making my case to the voters. And I think, like in 2018 and 2022, they won't allow [the] establishment to decide who represents them," Acevero said Friday.
"From an early age, I was drawn to advocacy and the power of education." — About page
"As your representative in the 39th District, Delegate Acevero is here to serve you. Whether it's addressing local concerns, advocating for resources, or ensuring your voice is heard in Annapolis, Delegate Acevero is dedicated to putting the needs of his constituents first."
"Now a voice for the people... Representing Maryland's 39th legislative district has been the honor of my life, and I've worked every day to be a voice for justice, equity, and progress."
Source: gabeacevero.org
Education
Introduced legislation to support Youth Aging out of Maryland's Foster Care System with direct cash assistance, supported the Blueprint for Maryland's Future investment in public education, introduced legislation creating a commission on history culture and civics in education, voted in support of historic legislation providing equitable funding for Maryland's four Historically Black College Universities
“"Education and Youth Empowerment Delegate Acevero believes that every child deserves access to a quality education and the resources they need to succeed. He has introduced legislation to support Youth Aging out of Maryland's Foster Care System with direct cash assistance. He also supported the passage of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a transformative investment in public education."”
Healthcare
Believes healthcare is a human right and has worked to expand access to quality care for all Marylanders, co-sponsored legislation to improve maternal and infant health through Perinatal Care Standards, voted to Codify Reproductive Health in the Maryland Constitution
“"Healthcare Access and Equity Delegate Acevero believes that healthcare is a human right and has worked tirelessly to expand access to quality care for all Marylanders. He co-sponsored legislation to improve maternal and infant health through Perinatal Care Standards and fought to ensure reproductive healthcare access by voting to Codify Reproductive Health in the Maryland Constitution."”
Housing
Co-sponsored Just Cause legislation to protect tenants, increased funding for affordable housing initiatives across Maryland as a member of the Appropriations Committee, advocates for affordable housing and stronger tenant protections
“"Housing Stability and Tenant Rights Delegate Acevero understands that housing is a fundamental right and has worked to protect tenants and promote housing stability. He co-sponsored Just Cause legislation to protect tenants and ensure that they can stay in their homes. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Delegate Acevero has also increased funding for affordable housing initiatives across Maryland."”
Immigration
Championed the Maryland Values Act which protects immigrants from federal enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools and libraries, championed the Equal Access to Public Services Act which expands access to critical resources for individuals with limited English proficiency and disabilities, fights for ending the 287g program and ensuring data privacy
“"Immigrant Rights and Protections As an immigrant, Delegate Acevero understands the challenges faced by immigrant communities and has made it his mission to ensure Maryland is a welcoming and safe place for all. He has championed legislation like the Maryland Values Act, which protects immigrants from federal enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools and libraries, and the Equal Access to Public Services Act, which expands access to critical resources for individuals with limited English proficiency and disabilities."”
Environment
Voted for and helped pass the Climate Solutions Now Act, a landmark law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability, sponsored and introduced the Maryland Electric Buildings Act which transitions energy sources in buildings to electric, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing clean energy solutions
“"Environmental Justice Delegate Acevero recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and protect Maryland's natural resources. Climate change is a pressing threat, and Delegate Acevero has been a steadfast advocate for bold action. He voted for and helped pass the Climate Solutions Now Act, a landmark law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Additionally, he sponsored and introduced the Maryland Electric Buildings Act, which transitions energy sources in buildings to electric, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing clean energy solutions."”
Criminal Justice
Passed Anton's Law to increase police accountability, fought for universal basic income, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access, worked on criminal justice reform as an organizer and activist before entering office
“"Priorities Fighting for Justice Delegate Acevero is committed to creating a Maryland where fairness and equity are more than ideals—they're realities. From advocating for criminal justice reform to protecting civil rights and workers' rights, Delegate Acevero fights every day to ensure that no one is left behind."”
LGBTQ+ Equality
As the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to the Maryland General Assembly, has fought to protect LGBTQ+ youth and seniors, passed protections for LGBTQ seniors, advocated for renaming Bayard Rustin Elementary School to honor the legacy of the gay civil rights leader, standing against policies that seek to erase or marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals
“"LGBTQ+ Equality and Civil Rights As the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Acevero has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights. He has fought to protect LGBTQ+ youth and seniors; and has ensured equal access to opportunities for a more inclusive Maryland. His work includes passing protections for LGBTQ seniors and advocating for the renaming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School to honor the legacy of the gay civil rights leader and standing against policies that seek to erase or marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals."”
Economic Justice
Played a key role in the Fight for $15 campaign, advocated for fair taxation and guaranteed basic income as economic justice policies while serving on House Appropriations Committee
“"Economic Justice and Worker Protections Delegate Acevero is a champion for economic justice, advocating for policies that uplift working families and create opportunities for all. He played a key role in the Fight for $15 campaign, which led to the p"”
Transportation
Recognizes congestion is a daily challenge for many District 39 residents and has worked to fully fund and expand Maryland's public transportation infrastructure, strong advocate for walkability and bike safety pushing for infrastructure improvements that make streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists
“"Transportation On transit, Delegate Acevero recognizes that congestion is a daily challenge for many District 39 residents and has worked to fully fund and expand Maryland's public transportation infrastructure. He is also a strong advocate for walkability and bike safety, pushing for infrastructure improvements that make streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists."”
The Banner reports that Acevero is seeking re-election in 2026 against a slate of incumbents led by Senate Majority Leader Nancy King, who are hoping Councilmember Robert Wu will replace him as the fourth District 39 representative. The article describes Acevero as a "Democratic Socialist" with tense relationships within the District 39 delegation and notes he has had conflicts on issues including criminal justice reform and the Israel-Hamas war.
“"He has introduced legislation to support Youth Aging out of Maryland's Foster Care System with direct cash assistance. He also supported the passage of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a transformative investment in public education."”
Source“"He co-sponsored Just Cause legislation to protect tenants and ensure that they can stay in their homes. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Delegate Acevero has also increased funding for affordable housing initiatives across Maryland."”
Source“"He co-sponsored legislation to improve maternal and infant health through Perinatal Care Standards and fought to ensure reproductive healthcare access by voting to Codify Reproductive Health in the Maryland Constitution."”
Source“"He has championed legislation like the Maryland Values Act, which protects immigrants from federal enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools and libraries, and the Equal Access to Public Services Act, which expands access to critical resources for individuals with limited English proficiency and disabilities."”
Source“"He voted for and helped pass the Climate Solutions Now Act, a landmark law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Additionally, he sponsored and introduced the Maryland Electric Buildings Act, which transitions energy sources in buildings to electric, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing clean energy solutions."”
Source“"From passing Anton's Law to increase police accountability to fighting for universal basic income, affordable housing, and expanded healthcare access, my work is driven by a vision of a Maryland where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."”
Source“"As a tireless advocate for social, racial, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice, I'm proud to have been appointed by Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk, to Chair the Pubic Safety and Administration Subcommittee of Appropriations."”
Source“"On transit, Delegate Acevero recognizes that congestion is a daily challenge for many District 39 residents and has worked to fully fund and expand Maryland's public transportation infrastructure."”
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