Dana Stein

Dana Stein is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 11B in Baltimore County. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been in office since 2007 and has held various leadership roles within the legislature, including speaker pro tempore from 2024 to 2026 and acting speaker in December 2025. Stein's legislative work has focused on environmental issues, agriculture, and local governance, reflecting his commitment to addressing pressing challenges in his district and the state of Maryland.

Early life and career

Dana Stein was born on September 19, 1958, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was educated in the public school system of Baltimore County, culminating in his graduation from Milford Mill High School. Following his secondary education, Stein pursued higher education at several prestigious institutions. He attended Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in government. He furthered his studies at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs at Princeton University, obtaining a Master of Public Affairs degree. Stein concluded his formal education with a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia University School of Law in 1985.

After completing his education, Stein began his professional career as an attorney at the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, where he worked until 1992. In that year, he shifted his focus towards environmental advocacy by founding Grassroots Recycling, a local organization dedicated to promoting recycling initiatives. Later in 1992, he co-founded Civic Works with Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who would later serve as the lieutenant governor of Maryland. Civic Works is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting urban service projects in Baltimore, including notable efforts like the restoration of the Clifton Mansion.

Stein's initial foray into politics occurred in 1994 when he ran for a seat on the Baltimore County Council in District 2. Although he was not successful in that election against the incumbent Kevin Kamenetz, he continued to engage in political activities. In 1996, he was elected president of the Baltimore County Central Committee, a position he held until 2002. During this time, he also served as the committee's treasurer from 1996 to 2002 and its chair from 2001 to 2002.

Legislative service

Dana Stein's legislative career began in earnest in 2002 when he was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates to fill the vacancy left by Michael Finifter, who had been appointed to the Baltimore County Circuit Court. After being nominated by the Baltimore County Central Committee, he was appointed by Governor Parris Glendening and sworn into office on June 25, 2002. However, Stein faced a setback in the 2002 Maryland House of Delegates election, where he was defeated in the Democratic primary by Jon Cardin.

In 2006, Stein made another attempt to enter the Maryland House of Delegates, this time running for the seat vacated by Robert Zirkin, who was seeking election to the Maryland Senate. Stein successfully won the general election on November 8, 2006, and was sworn in on January 10, 2007. His tenure in the legislature has included various leadership roles, including serving as deputy majority whip from 2011 to 2015.

In May 2023, Stein was nominated by House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones to serve as speaker pro tempore of the Maryland House of Delegates, succeeding Sheree Sample-Hughes. His leadership role expanded further in December 2025 when he became the acting speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates following Jones' announcement of her decision to step down. Despite this elevated position, Stein opted not to seek his party's nomination for the permanent speaker role.

Throughout his legislative service, Stein has held several committee assignments that reflect his interests and expertise. He has served as vice-chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee since 2015, overseeing various subcommittees focused on local government, bi-county agencies, and environmental issues. Additionally, he has been involved in the Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation since 2011 and has served on the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee since 2015. His leadership extends to the Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, where he has served as House Chair since 2015.

Policy focus and district

Dana Stein's legislative agenda has prominently featured issues related to the environment and agriculture, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practices and community welfare. His work in the Maryland House of Delegates has included introducing significant legislation aimed at protecting the environment and promoting responsible agricultural practices.

In the realm of agriculture, Stein has been an advocate for regulating harmful substances. During the 2018 legislative session, he introduced a bill to ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos, which is known for its adverse effects on health and the environment. Although the bill was modified to focus on studying the ban due to concerns about a potential spotted lanternfly invasion, Stein reintroduced the chlorpyrifos ban in 2020. While the bill passed, it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Hogan. In 2019, he also introduced legislation to prohibit hemp farming in residential areas, though these bills did not advance in committee.

Stein's environmental initiatives have been notable throughout his legislative career. In 2011, he successfully passed legislation enforcing the International Green Construction Code for commercial buildings exceeding three stories. Following a revocation of regulations by Governor Hogan in 2015, Stein introduced a bill to codify nitrogen oxide emissions regulations into law. His proactive approach continued with legislation requiring state agencies to develop plans addressing the impacts of sea-level rise, which passed in 2018 and was signed into law by Governor Hogan. He has also focused on ensuring that Maryland remains committed to the Paris Agreement, introducing legislation that would prevent the state from withdrawing without legislative approval.

In 2021, Stein introduced the Climate Solutions Now Act, a comprehensive reform bill aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions in the state. This legislation represents his ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Stein's district, 11B, encompasses parts of Baltimore County, where he has worked to address local issues and advocate for policies that benefit his constituents. His legislative efforts reflect a dedication to improving the quality of life for residents through environmental stewardship and responsible governance. As he continues to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates, Stein remains focused on the challenges facing his district and the broader state, striving to enact policies that promote sustainability and community well-being.