Gabriel Moreno

Gabriel Moreno is an American politician, attorney, and nonprofit executive currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 13th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been actively involved in various community and political initiatives, focusing on issues related to immigrant rights and juvenile justice reform. Moreno's career spans education, law, and public service, reflecting his commitment to advocacy and community engagement.

Early life and career

Gabriel Moreno was born on October 1, 1984, in El Paso, Texas, to immigrant parents from Mexico. Growing up in a family that valued hard work and education, he was instilled with a strong sense of community and social responsibility from an early age. Moreno completed his high school education at Irvin High School in 2003, where he began to develop his leadership skills and interest in civic engagement.

Following high school, Moreno pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. During his time at Texas A&M, he was involved in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, which provided him with opportunities for leadership and community service. After completing his degree, he furthered his education at the University of Texas at El Paso, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in organizational and corporate communication. His academic journey culminated at the Massachusetts School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree, equipping him with the legal knowledge necessary for his future career.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Moreno began his professional career as a floating substitute teacher, gaining firsthand experience in the education system. This role allowed him to understand the challenges faced by students and educators alike. Eventually, he relocated to Maryland when his wife secured a position in human resources at the University of Maryland, College Park. The couple settled in Elkridge, Maryland, where Moreno began working at various law firms, honing his legal skills and expertise.

In 2021, Moreno took on a significant role as a national senior attorney on the Family Separation Response Team at Kids in Need of Defense. His work in this capacity involved advocating for the rights of immigrant children and families affected by separation policies. He continued in this role until 2023, when he transitioned to serve as the CEO of Luminus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to immigrants from over 90 countries. Under his leadership, Luminus focused on addressing the needs of immigrant communities, reflecting Moreno's commitment to social justice and advocacy.

Legislative service

Moreno's entry into politics began with his election to the Howard County Democratic Central Committee in 2018, where he was reelected in 2022. His involvement in local politics expanded when he served as an alternate delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention and as an at-large delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention. His engagement in these roles demonstrated his dedication to the Democratic Party and his commitment to representing the interests of his community.

In August 2024, Moreno was appointed to the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention, further solidifying his role as an advocate for marginalized communities. He was also a member of the Governor's Commission on Hispanic and Latin American Community Affairs, where he worked to address issues affecting Hispanic and Latin American residents in Maryland.

In July 2025, Moreno filed to run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 13, seeking to succeed Jen Terrasa, who had announced her retirement to run for the clerk of the Howard County circuit court. Following his appointment to the House of Delegates, Moreno was included on a slate alongside other incumbents from District 13 and Amy Brooks. His political career took a significant turn in December 2025 when state delegate Vanessa Atterbeary announced her resignation to focus on her campaign for Howard County Executive. Moreno applied to serve the remainder of Atterbeary's term and was nominated by the Howard County Democratic Central Committee on January 7, 2026. Governor Wes Moore appointed him to the seat on January 12, 2026, and he was sworn in the following day. As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Moreno serves on the Judiciary Committee, where he engages in legislative discussions and decision-making processes.

Policy focus and district

During his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Moreno has focused on various policy issues, particularly those related to juvenile justice reform. In the 2026 legislative session, he introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services from utilizing seclusion rooms and restraints as punitive measures. This initiative reflects his commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of young individuals within the juvenile justice system.

Moreno represents District 13, which encompasses parts of Howard County. This area is characterized by its diverse population and vibrant communities, and Moreno's background as an immigrant and advocate positions him well to address the unique challenges faced by his constituents. His experiences in law, education, and nonprofit leadership inform his approach to policy-making, as he seeks to create positive change for the residents of his district.

In his personal life, Moreno is married to his wife, Jessica, and they have two children. The family resides in Columbia, Maryland, where they are actively engaged in their community. Moreno's commitment to public service, combined with his professional background and personal experiences, shapes his approach as a legislator and advocate for the people of Maryland. As he continues his service in the Maryland House of Delegates, Moreno remains focused on addressing the needs of his constituents and promoting policies that foster equity and justice within the state.