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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 20 · 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 raceJheanelle K. Wilkins is a Maryland Delegate representing District 20 who was born in Kingston, Jamaica and immigrated to the United States at age five. She grew up in New Castle, Delaware, where her family's humble circumstances fueled her passion for advocating for greater opportunity for all families to thrive. A sociologist with a Master's in Public Administration, she has served as an elected official since 2017 and currently holds leadership roles within the Maryland House of Delegates. In January 2026, she announced she would step down from her post as chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland to focus on leading the powerful Ways and Means Committee. During her tenure, the caucus championed initiatives including the creation of a Maryland Reparations Commission and the passage of the Second Look Act to combat over-sentencing of Black people. She describes herself as a Progressive Champion dedicated to policy change that makes a difference in people's lives. She remains deeply involved with the caucus as chair emerita after passing the gavel to new leadership.
Sources: Campaign website
"Progressive Champion" "Fighting for Equity & Opportunity for All." "A Passion for Service" "leveraged her organizing and advocacy background to help pass impactful legislation in the Maryland General Assembly" "fighting for equality and improving the lives of those who are historically excluded"
Source: jheanellewilkins.com
Maternal Health
Legislation related to addressing maternal health disparities and bringing women most impacted by maternal deaths to the table to chart solutions.
“Her legislative achievements include legislation related to addressing maternal health disparities, justice transformation and curbing racial profiling”
Criminal Justice
Justice transformation, curbing racial profiling, removing unnecessary criminal penalties for minor nonviolent offenses.
“justice transformation and curbing racial profiling... legislation that removes unnecessary criminal penalties for minor, nonviolent offenses”
Education
Advancing educational equity through the $4 billion Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
“advancing educational equity through the $4 billion Blueprint for Maryland's Future”
Veterans
Expanding tax credit eligibility for retired veterans to help them continue to live in Maryland.
“Her legislation to expand tax credit eligibility for retired veterans will help our service men and women to continue to live in Maryland.”
Economic Security
Advocating for the economic security of families, including raising minimum wage and paid sick leave.
“grassroots advocacy on issues like raising the minimum wage and paid sick leave for workers... economic security of families”
According to a January 6, 2026 Bethesda Magazine report, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins will step down from her post as chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. She assumes leadership of the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the state House of Delegates while remaining deeply involved as chair emerita. During 2025, the caucus championed initiatives including the creation of the Maryland Reparations Commission and the passage of the Second Look Act to combat over-sentencing of Black people.
“advancing educational equity through the $4 billion Blueprint for Maryland's Future”
Source“addressing maternal health disparities, justice transformation and curbing racial profiling”
Source“legislation that removes unnecessary criminal penalties for minor, nonviolent offenses”
Source“expand tax credit eligibility for retired veterans will help our service men and women to continue to live in Maryland”
Source“expand tax credit eligibility for retired veterans”
Source“economic security of families... raising the minimum wage and paid sick leave for workers”
Source