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House of Delegates Member · Legislative District 44B · 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 raceSheila Ruth is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 44B in western Baltimore County, where she serves on the Environment and Transportation Committee. She previously served on the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee and was the first Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party's Progressive Diversity Leadership Council, having founded the Baltimore County Progressive Democrats Club in 2017. A web developer by profession and currently Executive Director of the Cybils Awards for children's and young adult literature, she lives with her husband and two cats in Westview Park where she has resided for over thirty years. Her legislative priorities include climate action, transit equity, racial justice, universal healthcare, mental health, juvenile justice, disability rights, reproductive rights, and workers' rights.
Sources: Campaign website
I'm fighting for a Maryland where: Every child has opportunity for a good education and no child goes to bed hungry; There are no racial disparities in health, wealth, justice, opportunities, or life expectancy.
Healthcare is universal and widely available, and that no one is denied health care due to cost or pushed into medical debt.
I think single payer is morally, logically, and economically the best way to achieve that. The insurance industry adds no value to healthcare; there's nothing that can be achieved through insurance that can't be achieved more simply and economically by a single-payer system.
Equity must be baked in to any healthcare plan to overcome the vast healthcare disparities that are the consequence of centuries of systemic oppression.
I will always stand up for the full range of reproductive rights and access. The government should not be controlling our bodies and our lives.
Source: sheilaruth.com
Healthcare
Advocates for universal healthcare through single-payer system at state level; opposes insurance industry profits that deny care
“I think single payer is morally, logically, and economically the best way to achieve that. The insurance industry adds no value to healthcare; there's nothing that can be achieved through insurance that can't be achieved more simply and economically by a single-payer system.”
Environment
Committed to addressing climate crisis, reducing waste, regulating pesticides and PFAS chemicals, protecting Chesapeake Bay
“I am committed to taking bold action to address the climate crisis, reduce waste, better regulate pesticides and PFAS chemicals, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.”
Equity/Civil Rights
Committed to redressing inequities from over 400 years of systemic oppression; equity must be baked into every issue
“I am committed to redressing the inequities that result from over 400 years of systemic oppression and ensuring that the law protects and supports all Marylanders. Equity is not a separate issue; every issue we work on must be viewed through an equity lens.”
Reproductive Rights
Supports full range of reproductive rights including access to abortion care as basic healthcare necessary for everyone
“I will always stand up for the full range of reproductive rights and access. Not only is reproductive care a right, but it's also basic and necessary healthcare.”
Transportation
Introduced Transportation Equity Analyses and Assurances Act to help build more equitable transportation system regardless of race, income, or disability
“I introduced the Transportation Equity Analyses and Assurances Act of 2021 to help build a more equitable transportation system in Maryland. Transportation plays a key role in employment, health, environment, and quality of life.”
Workers' Rights
All workers have right to living wage, collective bargaining, fair labor standards, and safe dignified working environment
“All workers have a right to a living wage, collective bargaining, fair labor standards, and a safe and dignified working environment.”
“Every child has opportunity for a good education and no child goes to bed hungry”
Source“Everyone is safe in their home, community, workplace, and school, including safety from gun violence and over-policing”
Source“I am committed to taking bold action to address the climate crisis, reduce waste, better regulate pesticides and PFAS chemicals, and protect the Chesapeake Bay”
Source“I am committed to taking bold action to address the climate crisis, reduce waste, better regulate pesticides and PFAS chemicals, and protect the Chesapeake Bay”
Source“I think single payer is morally, logically, and economically the best way to achieve that. The insurance industry adds no value to healthcare”
Source“Everyone is safe in their home, community, workplace, and school, including safety from gun violence and over-policing”
Source“Equity must be baked in to any healthcare plan to overcome the vast healthcare disparities that are the consequence of centuries of systemic oppression”
Source