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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 25 · 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 raceJoseph Tolbert III is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 25, presenting a platform built on the pillars of redemption, responsibility, and results. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Prince George’s County, he spent over a decade incarcerated starting at age 17, an experience that now informs his advocacy for returning citizens and families impacted by the justice system. Tolbert transitioned into a professional career in hospitality management after graduating from the DC Central Kitchen’s culinary program, eventually managing a team of 32. He is the cofounder of Life360, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families impacted by incarceration, and facilitates a support group called "The Men of P.G." His policy agenda includes introducing mandatory sentences for protective order violations, stopping electric rate hikes, and providing tax incentives for homeschooling families. Tolbert positions himself as an independent candidate, emphasizing that his leadership is forged through adversity and a commitment to faith-based truth.
Sources: Campaign website
I am Joseph Tolbert III — a proud son of Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County. My life reflects resilience, redemption, and relentless purpose.
I transformed pain into purpose and setbacks into stepping stones to build a better future for my family and community.
I stand as living proof that redemption is real, growth is possible, and leadership forged through adversity can uplift an entire community.
I do not consider myself a politician and remain independent of the establishment. I ran for office out of deep concern for our Party’s direction.
Hardworking households should not face constant increases just to keep the lights on. My plan will hold utility companies accountable, increase oversight, and ensure rate increases are justified and fair—putting consumers first and keeping energy affordable.
Source: winjt3.com
State Oversight for Data Centers
Strengthening oversight of data centers to ensure growth balances economic development with infrastructure planning and energy grid protection.
“I will introduce legislation to strengthen state oversight of data centers to ensure responsible growth, protect our energy grid, and safeguard local communities.”
Utility Rate Hikes
Stopping electric rate increases through increased oversight and holding utility companies accountable to keep energy affordable.
“I will introduce legislation to stop unfair electric rate hikes and protect families and seniors from rising utility costs.”
Domestic Violence Penalties
Implementing mandatory sentences for violating protective orders to ensure legal orders provide real protection.
“A first violation will carry a mandatory 2-year sentence. A second violation will result in a mandatory 5-year sentence.”
Senior Prescription Costs
Reducing drug costs for seniors while generating state revenue to offset costs without increasing taxes.
“My plan puts seniors first while remaining fiscally responsible by generating $200 to $400+ million in new annual state revenue to help offset costs— without raising taxes on hardworking families.”
School Staff Safety
Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for assaults on school employees, including detention and expulsion for middle and high school students.
“I will introduce legislation requiring a six-month juvenile detention placement and expulsion for the remainder of the school year for middle school and high school students who assault school staff.”
Second Chance Employment
Removing barriers to government employment for returning citizens to create clear pathways to stability and tax-paying roles.
“I will introduce legislation to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent returning citizens from gaining employment with government agencies.”
Child Support Reform
Reforming child support policies to incentivize co-parenting and stability rather than policies that encourage parental separation for benefit qualification.
“I will champion comprehensive child support reform that focuses on keeping families together rather than creating policies that unintentionally encourage separation so one parent can qualify for certain benefits.”
Homeschooling Support
Providing tax incentives for homeschooling families to cover costs for curriculum, books, and tools.
“I will draft a bill that supports a homeschooling tax incentive that recognizes parental choice and helps cover real education costs like curriculum, books, and learning tools.”
“I will draft a bill that supports a homeschooling tax incentive that recognizes parental choice and helps cover real education costs like curriculum, books, and learning tools.”
Source“I will fight to protect survivors of domestic violence by enforcing protective orders with real consequences. A first violation will carry a mandatory 2-year sentence.”
Source“I will introduce legislation to strengthen state oversight of data centers to ensure responsible growth, protect our energy grid, and safeguard local communities.”
Source“I will introduce legislation to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent returning citizens from gaining employment with government agencies. If you have paid your debt to society, you deserve a real second chance.”
Source“I will introduce legislation to significantly reduce prescription drug costs for our seniors.”
Source“I will introduce legislation to significantly reduce prescription drug costs for our seniors.”
Source“I will introduce legislation to stop unfair electric rate hikes and protect families and seniors from rising utility costs.”
Source“I will draft a bill that supports a homeschooling tax incentive that recognizes parental choice and helps cover real education costs like curriculum, books, and learning tools.”
Source“As this industry expands, we must balance economic development with transparency, infrastructure planning, and accountability so taxpayers and residents are protected.”
Source“I will champion comprehensive child support reform that focuses on keeping families together rather than creating policies that unintentionally encourage separation...”
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