Jason Buckel

Jason Buckel is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 1B. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this position since 2015 and has been the minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates since April 2021. Buckel's political career began with his involvement in local politics in Maryland, and he has since become a prominent figure within the state's legislative framework.

Early life and career

Jason Buckel was born on November 3, 1971, in Allegany County, Maryland. He completed his early education at Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, Maryland, before pursuing higher education. Buckel attended George Mason University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, graduating with honors. He furthered his education at the University of Maryland School of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree, also with honors. Following his graduation in 1996, he was admitted to the Maryland Bar and established his own law firm.

Buckel's entry into politics occurred in 2006 when he joined the Maryland Republican Party. His political engagement deepened in 2012 when he took on a leadership role in the Allegany County campaign for Alex Mooney's exploratory bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 6th congressional district. In February 2014, Buckel announced his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates, aiming to unseat the incumbent Delegate Kevin Kelly. In the general election, Buckel successfully defeated Kelly, securing approximately 58.9 percent of the vote.

Legislative service

Buckel was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. Since his election, he has been a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which plays a crucial role in shaping fiscal policy and budgetary matters within the state legislature. From 2017 to 2018, he served as the chief deputy whip for the House Republican Caucus, a position that involved assisting in party leadership and legislative strategy.

In April 2021, Buckel was elected as the minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates, a role that places him at the forefront of Republican legislative efforts in the state. His leadership has involved navigating complex political dynamics, particularly in a legislature where the Democratic Party holds a significant majority.

Buckel's tenure in the legislature has not been without controversy. In April 2023, a significant incident occurred when he and other Republican lawmakers engaged in a heated confrontation with House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones over the handling of legislative votes. This incident culminated in a shouting match that disrupted the legislative process, leading to several bills failing to receive final votes before the session's adjournment. Following the incident, Buckel expressed his belief that the Democratic leadership was responsible for the chaos, asserting that they had moved controversial legislation to the final moments of the session with limited opportunity for debate.

In December 2025, after the election of Joseline Peña-Melnyk as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Buckel and the House Republican caucus initiated the establishment of a "rural caucus." This group was formed to ensure that the interests of rural constituents are represented in the legislative process, particularly in light of a leadership team that was perceived to be predominantly focused on urban and suburban issues. During the 2026 legislative session, Buckel advocated for the creation of an investigative committee with subpoena power to address findings related to significant overpayments in unemployment benefits and other financial discrepancies within state agencies.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 1B, Buckel's policy focus has been influenced by the demographics and needs of his constituents in Western Maryland. His legislative priorities often reflect the concerns of rural communities, including issues related to economic development, education, and public safety. Buckel's commitment to representing the interests of his district is evident in his participation in various legislative initiatives and discussions aimed at addressing local challenges.

In addition to his legislative duties, Buckel has been involved in notable discussions regarding regional governance. In October 2021, he was one of several legislators who sent letters to West Virginia officials inquiring about the potential annexation of Western Maryland to West Virginia. This proposal sparked significant local controversy, with some officials criticizing it as a political stunt. Following backlash from constituents and local leaders, Buckel and fellow legislators withdrew their support for the secession proposal. In a subsequent interview, Buckel indicated that the idea for a non-binding secession straw poll had emerged from discussions about regional political dynamics, particularly after shifts in Virginia's political landscape.

Buckel's legislative career has also been marked by personal challenges. In December 2021, harassment charges were filed against him in connection with his divorce, which involved allegations of threatening behavior towards a police officer. These charges were dropped shortly thereafter. More recently, in August 2023, reports surfaced regarding an investigation into Buckel for alleged threats made against a police officer involved with his ex-wife. These incidents have drawn public attention and scrutiny, impacting his political standing and the perception of his leadership.

Throughout his career, Buckel has maintained a focus on the legislative needs of his district while navigating the complexities of state politics. His role as minority leader and his active participation in various committees underscore his influence within the Maryland House of Delegates, as he continues to advocate for the interests of his constituents in a challenging political environment.