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State Senator · Legislative District 32 · 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 raceMark Chang is a Maryland State Delegate running to succeed retiring Senator Pamela Beidle in the 32nd Legislative District after she withdrew from the 2026 ballot. He is a son of Korean immigrants who arrived in the mid-1970s and grew up as a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County, where his parents opened a corner carry-out business. His mother passed away when he was young, leading him to work from high school to support his family while earning degrees from Morgan State, UMBC, and Loyola University for an MBA. He previously served as the first Asian-American elected to the Maryland House of Delegates from Anne Arundel County and Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Now running in 2026, he aims to continue Beidle's legacy while focusing on family resources, education investment, hate crime legislation, gun safety, climate action, and abortion rights.
Sources: Campaign website
Economic Development
Ensuring families have the resources to put food on the table and addressing struggles Maryland families face.
“Mark knows the struggles Maryland families face. Inspired by his own upbringing, Mark focuses on ensuring families have the resources to put food on the table.”
Education
Investing in education and supporting students who need assistance.
“Once the kid who couldn't afford school lunch, Mark works to invest in education and students in need of support.”
Community Development
Supporting legislation to address hate crimes and increasing voter access.
“Mark and his family faced hate and discrimination growing up, which led to him to support legislation to address hate crimes and increase voter access.”
Public Safety
Taking action on the gun violence crisis by raising security requirements for gun access.
“He took action on the gun violence crisis and raised the security requirements for gun access.”
Environment
Supporting a cleaner and greener economy through voting for the Climate Solutions Now Act.
“He supports building a cleaner and greener economy and voted for the Climate Solutions Now Act.”
Healthcare
Being a strong supporter of abortion rights with a 100% pro-choice voting record from Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
“And he is a strong supporter of abortion rights and has a 100% pro-choice voting record from Planned Parenthood Action Fund.”
According to Maryland Matters, Sen. Pamela Beidle withdrew from the 2026 ballot at the filing deadline and tapped Mark Chang to succeed her in the Senate seat. Chang had originally filed for re-election to the House of Delegates but refiled for the Senate race minutes before the 9 p.m. deadline after receiving notice from Beidle. Beidle cited a desire for a new life, travel, and downsizing as reasons for retiring, while Chang expressed honor in serving with her and continuing her legacy.
“Once the kid who couldn't afford school lunch, Mark works to invest in education and students in need of support.”
Source“He took action on the gun violence crisis and raised the security requirements for gun access.”
Source“He supports building a cleaner and greener economy and voted for the Climate Solutions Now Act.”
Source“And he is a strong supporter of abortion rights and has a 100% pro-choice voting record from Planned Parenthood Action Fund.”
Source“Mark and his family faced hate and discrimination growing up, which led to him to support legislation to address hate crimes and increase voter access.”
Source