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State Senator · Legislative District 43 · 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 raceMary Washington is Maryland's State Senator representing the 43rd District and Chair of the Baltimore City Senate Delegation. Born in Philadelphia to two healthcare professionals, she worked various jobs including delivering pizzas and loading UPS trucks before earning her bachelor's degree from Antioch University, teaching kindergarten at an inner-city Catholic school, and later earning a Ph.D. in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University in 1997. She made history as Maryland's first openly LGBTQ+ African-American elected official when elected to the House of Delegates in 2010, then was elected to the State Senate in 2018. With more than two decades of experience in public service, she brings lived experience, academic expertise, and a deep commitment to equity, opportunity, and justice for all Marylanders. Her legislative work focuses on education equity, housing security, water justice, environmental protection, and dismantling structural racism.
Sources: Campaign website
United for a more equitable Maryland.
Since first taking office, Senator Washington has sponsored and passed 67 bills that have been enacted into Maryland law – transformative policies that reflect her deep commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity.
Her approach to public policy is shaped by a lifelong belief in evidence, empathy, and action.
She continues to push for stronger environmental standards and accountability from energy companies.
Marylanders deserve a government that is clear, efficient, and accountable.
Source: senatormarywashington.com
Education
Ensuring every child has access to quality education regardless of zip code, supporting teacher recruitment and retention, protecting students from discrimination, and advocating for transparency in education outcomes. She supported the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and fights for full funding for community schools.
“Educational Equity: Ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of zip code.”
Housing
Addressing homelessness through comprehensive support and housing solutions, protecting tenants and expanding access to affordable housing. She secured resources for unaccompanied and homeless youth including funding for housing and tuition waivers.
“Affordable Housing and Renters' Rights: Protecting tenants and expanding access to affordable housing.”
Environment
Expanding clean energy initiatives, protecting natural resources and ensuring clean air and water for all. She passed legislation in 2022 to regulate third-party energy suppliers, saving 30,000 families $500 a year on utilities.
“Renewable Energy: Expanding clean energy initiatives to reduce Maryland's carbon footprint.”
Public Safety
Ensuring access to healthcare and safe environments for all. She championed legislation requiring Maryland to establish its first standalone prerelease facility for women, correcting a long-standing inequity.
“Public Health and Safety: Ensuring access to healthcare and safe environments for all.”
Government Ethics
Making government more transparent, accountable, and easier to implement. Her leadership style is defined by commitment to excellence, collaboration, and integrity.
“Make Government More Transparent, More Accountable, and Easier to Implement”
According to Baltimore Fishbowl, Senator Washington suspended her mayoral campaign during the coronavirus pandemic to devote time to constituents. The article describes her as one of the most progressive candidates in the field who championed an agenda including equitable policing, investing $20 million more into schools, and building affordable housing.
“Educational Equity: Ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of zip code.”
Source“Affordable Housing and Renters' Rights: Protecting tenants and expanding access to affordable housing.”
Source“Renewable Energy: Expanding clean energy initiatives to reduce Maryland's carbon footprint.”
Source“Public Health and Safety: Ensuring access to healthcare and safe environments for all.”
Source“Make Government More Transparent, More Accountable, and Easier to Implement”
Source“Over the years, she has become a leading voice in Annapolis for water justice, housing security, education equity, and protections for vulnerable youth and families.”
Source“Access to Healthcare and Essential Services: Ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.”
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