Lily Qi

Lily Qi is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 15th legislative district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since January 2019. Qi is notable for being the first Chinese-born state legislator in Maryland, and her legislative work has focused on various issues, including economic development, education, and social justice.

Early life and career

Lily Qi was born on November 4, 1963, in Shanghai, China. Her early life was shaped by the Cultural Revolution, a period during which her family faced persecution. In pursuit of greater opportunities, Qi migrated to the United States in 1989, arriving in Indiana. She attended Manchester University, where she was sponsored by a professor who had previously worked with her as a translator during his visits to Shanghai. Qi graduated from Manchester University in 1991 with a Master of Arts degree in communication studies.

Following her graduation, Qi and her husband, Yu "Phil" Peng, worked at various universities in Ohio and West Virginia. In 1997, they relocated to Montgomery County, Maryland, where Qi accepted a position focusing on multicultural affairs at American University. She became a U.S. citizen in 1999 and furthered her education by earning a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing and global information technology management in 2001 while still employed at American University. After completing her MBA, Qi transitioned into economic development roles at several nonprofit organizations.

Qi's political career began under the administration of Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, who appointed her as a liaison to the Asian American community following his election in 2006. In April 2016, she was appointed as the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for economic and workforce matters in Montgomery County, making her the first Asian American to hold this position. Her experiences in local government and community engagement laid the groundwork for her future political ambitions.

In the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Qi sought to become more involved in politics. She participated in a training program offered by Emerge Maryland, which aims to prepare women for public office. Drawing on her training and community connections, she announced her candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in November 2017, aiming to succeed Delegate Aruna Miller. During her campaign, she received endorsements from notable figures, including Leggett and the Maryland Sierra Club. Qi's campaign was particularly effective in mobilizing the local Chinese-American community, utilizing platforms like WeChat to engage voters. She won the general election, marking her entry into the Maryland House of Delegates.

Legislative service

Lily Qi was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. Since her election, she has been an active member of the Economic Matters Committee, where she has taken on leadership roles, including serving as vice chair of the business regulation subcommittee. Additionally, she has held the position of deputy majority whip during the 2022 legislative session. Qi is also a member of several caucuses, including the Legislative Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Caucus, the Legislative Latino Caucus, the Legislative Transit Caucus, and the Women Legislators of Maryland.

In January 2026, Qi was appointed co-chair of the newly established House Study Group on Economic Stability by House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. This role reflects her ongoing commitment to addressing economic issues within her district and the state.

Qi's involvement in state politics extends beyond her committee work. She was selected as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where she pledged her support to Kamala Harris. Her participation in national political events underscores her active engagement in broader political discussions and her alignment with key party figures.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her tenure, Lily Qi has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect the needs and interests of her constituents in District 15. Her legislative initiatives have included efforts to address alcohol sales, education, housing, immigration, and minimum wage policies.

In the area of alcohol regulation, Qi introduced legislation aimed at allowing grocery stores to sell beer and wine. While her 2021 proposal did not advance, she continued to advocate for a ballot referendum on the issue in 2022, demonstrating her commitment to addressing community concerns regarding alcohol accessibility.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Qi played a significant role in coordinating resources for her community. She facilitated the donation of 20,000 masks from Xi'an, Maryland's sister city, and advocated for widespread antibody testing in correspondence with the state governor. Her actions during this crisis highlighted her responsiveness to public health needs.

Education is another priority for Qi. During her campaign, she expressed support for expanding magnet programs in Montgomery County and emphasized the importance of making universal pre-kindergarten a statewide priority. Her focus on education reflects her commitment to improving educational opportunities for children in her district.

In housing policy, Qi's voting record shows a nuanced approach. She voted against legislation requiring landlords to provide just cause for evictions, suggesting that alternative solutions could be explored. However, she also introduced successful legislation to create a pilot program offering mobile laundry services for homeless individuals, which was signed into law in May 2021.

On immigration issues, Qi has articulated her belief that Maryland does not need a sanctuary community designation, asserting that the state already provides safe and welcoming environments. She opposes the use of local resources for enforcing federal immigration laws, indicating her stance on maintaining community trust and safety.

Qi is also a proponent of raising the minimum wage, supporting a gradual increase to $15 per hour by 2025. Her voting record reflects her alignment with this goal, as she voted in favor of related legislation.

In summary, Lily Qi's legislative service is characterized by her focus on economic development, education, and social justice issues, reflecting her commitment to serving the diverse needs of her constituents in Maryland's 15th district. Her background and experiences have shaped her approach to governance, making her a significant figure in Maryland politics.