Aaron Kaufman

Aaron Kaufman is an American politician and disability rights advocate currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 18 in Montgomery County. A member of the Democratic Party, Kaufman is notable for being the first member of the Maryland General Assembly with a physical disability, having cerebral palsy. His legislative work focuses on various issues, including disability rights, climate change, immigration, and voting rights.

Early life and career

Aaron Kaufman was born on February 15, 1987. He grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he attended Walter Johnson High School. Following his high school education, Kaufman pursued higher education at Montgomery College, earning an associate degree in general studies in 2009. He then transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies in 2011.

Kaufman's early career included significant involvement in legislative affairs. He served as an administrative assistant for the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee, where he gained valuable experience in the workings of state government. His commitment to advocacy for individuals with disabilities is reflected in his long-term membership in organizations such as the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and RespectAbility. Additionally, Kaufman has worked on various political campaigns across different levels of government, contributing to his understanding of the political landscape.

In 2014, Kaufman was elected to the Montgomery County Central Committee, a position he held until December 2022. His tenure on the committee allowed him to engage with local political issues and build a network within the Democratic Party. Kaufman's advocacy work and political involvement laid the groundwork for his eventual candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates.

In April 2022, Kaufman sought to fill a vacancy in the Maryland House of Delegates after Delegate Al Carr withdrew his candidacy to pursue a position on the county council. The timing of Carr's withdrawal left a gap in the candidate filing process, prompting Kaufman to apply for the position. On April 20, 2022, he was nominated by the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee to run for the vacant seat. Kaufman campaigned alongside fellow Democratic Delegates Emily Shetty and Jared Solomon against Republican candidate George Cecala in the general election.

Legislative service

Kaufman was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, he participates in discussions and decisions regarding legislation that falls under the committee's jurisdiction. His role in the legislature allows him to advocate for issues that are important to his constituents and to the broader Maryland community.

Kaufman's legislative initiatives reflect his commitment to various policy areas. He has actively engaged in discussions related to climate change, disability rights, immigration, and taxation, among other topics. His background as a disability rights advocate informs much of his legislative focus, as he seeks to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in Maryland.

Policy focus and district

Kaufman's policy focus encompasses a range of issues, with a particular emphasis on disability rights and climate change. In May 2022, he signed a pledge with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, committing to support legislation aimed at achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity in Maryland by 2035. This pledge also includes a commitment to reevaluate the classification of trash incineration as "clean energy," reflecting his dedication to environmental sustainability.

His advocacy for disability rights is a cornerstone of his legislative agenda. Kaufman has worked on various initiatives to enhance the financial security of individuals with disabilities. During his time at the Jewish Federations of North America, he supported legislation such as the ABLE Age Adjustment Act and the Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which aim to provide greater financial stability for people with disabilities. In the 2025 legislative session, Kaufman introduced a bill that granted individuals the right to repair their motorized wheelchairs, which was subsequently signed into law by Governor Wes Moore. This legislation underscores his commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring their access to necessary resources.

Kaufman has also focused on public safety and the needs of families with children who have disabilities. In the 2026 legislative session, he introduced a bill requiring police training for situations involving elopement, which is particularly relevant for families with children who may wander away. Additionally, he supported legislation that would allow parents to share tracking device information with schools to aid in locating children in case of elopement.

In the realm of immigration, Kaufman supported a bill in November 2025 aimed at banning 287(g) program agreements in Maryland. He argued that such agreements would enable local police to concentrate on community-based policing rather than federal immigration enforcement, reflecting his commitment to fostering trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Kaufman has also expressed his views on taxation and voting rights. In February 2011, he participated in a rally advocating for an increase in the state's alcohol tax, which was later signed into law. More recently, in April 2022, he voiced support for creating combined reporting for corporate taxes. Regarding voting rights, Kaufman has advocated for establishing alternative mechanisms for filling vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly, emphasizing the need for special elections rather than solely relying on nominations by local central committees.

As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Aaron Kaufman continues to represent the interests of his constituents in District 18 while advocating for policies that promote equity, sustainability, and inclusivity. His unique perspective as a person with a disability informs his legislative priorities, making him a significant figure in Maryland's political landscape.