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State Senator · Legislative District 41 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Maryland State Senators represent their local districts in the General Assembly, where they propose and vote on laws covering issues like education, transportation, and public safety. They are responsible for approving the state’s annual budget and have the unique power to confirm or reject the Governor’s appointments for judges and agency leaders. This office is critical because its decisions determine how state tax dollars are spent and which policies govern your local community.
View all candidates in this raceMalcolm P. Ruff is a civil rights attorney and Delegate for Maryland's 41st District who is seeking election to State Senator. He positions himself as a visionary leader and tenacious advocate focused on correcting injustice and elevating community voices in Baltimore. His background includes legal expertise, community involvement, and legislative acumen, positioning him as a transformative force in Maryland politics. Ruff aims to build power where it has been systematically denied, fighting on behalf of the overlooked and underserved from civil rights litigation to policy development.
Sources: Campaign website
Malcolm P. Ruff is more than a politician – he's a visionary leader, a tenacious advocate, and a beacon of hope for Baltimore.
Delegate Ruff asks the hard questions—whether in courtrooms or community meetings. This legislator thinks like a lawyer, moves like an organizer, and speaks like a man of God.
In short, Delegate Malcolm P. Ruff is a builder and a breaker—breaking systems that harm, building ones that heal.
Source: malcolmpruff.com
Public Safety & Justice Reform
Ruff believes every Marylander deserves to feel safe—without fear of systemic injustice and is working to build trust between communities and law enforcement through meaningful, accountable reform.
“Malcolm P. Ruff believes every Marylander deserves to feel safe—without fear of systemic injustice.”
Economic Opportunity & Job Access
Ruff is fighting to revitalize Baltimore's economy with good-paying jobs, local business support, and training pathways.
“Sponsored HB1126 – Child Support Arrearage to Work Pilot Program , linking unemployed parents to job opportunities.”
Affordable Housing
Safe, stable housing is a basic human right. Ruff is focused on expanding housing access and protecting residents from displacement and neglect.
“Safe, stable housing is a basic human right.”
Health Equity
Ruff pushes for policies that reduce disparities and expand access to care, noting health outcomes should not be determined by ZIP code.
“Health outcomes should not be determined by ZIP code.”
Government Transparency & Accountability
Ruff is leading efforts to increase transparency in Maryland governance and pushes for open budgeting processes and ethics reform.
“Public trust requires public truth. Malcolm P. Ruff is leading efforts to increase transparency in Maryland governance.”
An AFRO article describes the race as a 'clash of civilizations' beyond just two individuals running for office. The coverage identifies Ruff as a Black man from Park Heights and a civil rights attorney who is running against incumbent State Senator Dalya Attar for the District 41 Senate seat. It notes there are efforts to spread misinformation about him as he mounts his campaign.
“HB55 – Good Cause Expungement Bill: Streamlines the expungement process for non-violent offenders seeking a second chance.”
Source“Sponsored HB1126 – Child Support Arrearage to Work Pilot Program , linking unemployed parents to job opportunities.”
Source“Secured $1 million in funding for the renovation of the St. Agnes Hospital Mother-Baby Unit .”
Source“Advocated for Condominium Reserve Fund Law reforms to protect residents from excessive fees and poor oversight.”
Source“Pushes for open budgeting processes and ethics reform.”
Source“Improving public safety: Championing safer communities through innovative legislation”
Source