Mary Lehman

Mary Lehman is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 21. Born on April 8, 1964, she has a background in journalism and English literature, and has held various roles in public service, including a tenure on the Prince George's County Council. Lehman's legislative work focuses on environmental issues, housing, transportation, and taxation, reflecting her commitment to her constituents and the broader community.

Early life and career

Mary Lehman was born in Cheverly, Maryland, and spent her formative years in Greenbelt, Maryland. She pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1987. Her early career included a notable role as a spokesperson for Citizens Against the Stadium II, a grassroots organization that opposed the construction of the FedExField football stadium in Laurel, Maryland. During this time, she became involved in local politics and community advocacy, highlighting her ability to engage with civic issues.

In the early 2000s, Lehman transitioned into public service, first serving as an educational liaison for Prince George's County council member Tom Dernoga from 2003 to 2007. This role allowed her to gain insight into the workings of local government and develop relationships within the political landscape. Following this position, she worked for Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, who encouraged her to consider running for public office herself.

Lehman entered the political arena as a member of the Prince George's County Council, serving from 2010 until 2018. During her time on the council, she focused on various community initiatives, including the opening of the Prince George's Laurel Library Branch. She advocated for environmentally friendly features in the library's construction, such as solar panels and electric car chargers. Additionally, she played a significant role in efforts to save the University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center from closure, demonstrating her commitment to healthcare access in her community.

In February 2018, after reaching her term limit on the county council, Lehman announced her candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 21. She participated in the Democratic primary, where she secured a position on the ballot by a narrow margin, ultimately winning a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Legislative service

Mary Lehman was sworn in as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. In her legislative role, she serves on several committees, including the Environment and Transportation Committee, as well as subcommittees focused on housing and real property, and agriculture and open space. Her involvement in these committees reflects her interests in environmental sustainability, housing policy, and agricultural issues.

Lehman is also an active member of the Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus and the Women Legislators of Maryland, which aim to address transportation and gender-related issues in the state. Additionally, she is an associate member of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, indicating her commitment to representing diverse communities within her district.

In January 2020, Lehman filed to run as a convention delegate for Joe Biden at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, further demonstrating her engagement in national political processes and her alignment with the Democratic Party's initiatives.

Policy focus and district

Lehman’s legislative priorities encompass a range of issues, particularly those related to the environment, housing, transportation, and taxation. Her commitment to environmental issues is evident in her legislative efforts, including a bill introduced in 2019 aimed at establishing strict standards for recycling crumb rubber-modified turf. Although she withdrew this bill later in the session, she expressed intentions to reintroduce it in subsequent legislative sessions. Additionally, she has received a perfect score on the Maryland League of Conservation Voters' legislative scorecard, highlighting her focus on environmental legislation.

In the realm of housing, Lehman introduced legislation in the 2022 session requiring landlords to demonstrate compliance with local laws and state statutes when filing failure-to-pay-rent cases. This initiative aims to protect tenants and ensure that housing practices are fair and transparent.

Lehman has also been active in tax policy, introducing a bill in the 2020 legislative session that sought to require corporate combined tax reporting. While this bill passed the House of Delegates, it did not advance in the state senate. She has supported legislation aimed at creating a multi-state compact to eliminate corporate tax breaks that incentivize businesses to relocate across state lines.

Transportation issues have been a significant focus for Lehman, particularly during her tenure on the Prince George's County Council. She opposed a proposed high-speed maglev train project due to concerns about its environmental impact and economic feasibility. In the Maryland House of Delegates, she introduced legislation to grant local governments veto power over state-backed toll road projects, emphasizing the importance of local input in transportation planning.

Mary Lehman is married and has four children. She is an active member of her community, attending religious services at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Burtonsville, Maryland. Her personal and professional experiences reflect her dedication to public service and her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents in District 21. Through her legislative work and community involvement, Lehman continues to play a significant role in shaping policies that impact the lives of Maryland residents.