Kris Valderrama

Kris Valderrama is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 26. A member of the Democratic Party, Valderrama has been active in state politics since her election to the House in 2007. She has held various leadership roles within the legislature and has focused on a range of policy issues, particularly those affecting families, social justice, and economic matters.

Early life and career

Kriselda Valderrama was born in Washington, D.C., on November 17, 1970. She is the daughter of David Valderrama, who has served as a judge in Prince George's County, Maryland, and as a Maryland State Delegate for District 26. Valderrama is of Filipino descent, which contributes to her identity as a member of the Asian American community in Maryland.

Her educational background includes graduating from Oxon Hill Senior High School. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy from Salisbury University. This academic foundation provided her with a professional background that has informed her legislative priorities, particularly in health-related issues.

Legislative service

Kris Valderrama was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 10, 2007. Since her election, she has been involved in various legislative activities and has taken on leadership roles within the House. From 2011 to 2018, she served as the deputy majority whip, a position that involved assisting in the management of party strategy and legislative priorities. In 2022, she was appointed as the deputy majority leader of the House of Delegates, reflecting her growing influence within the Democratic caucus.

Throughout her legislative career, Valderrama has served on several committees. Initially, she was a member of the Judiciary Committee from 2007 to 2015, where she participated in discussions and decisions related to legal and judicial matters. After her tenure on the Judiciary Committee, she transitioned to the Economic Matters Committee, where she has focused on issues related to economic development, labor, and business regulations. In December 2025, Valderrama made history by becoming the chair of the Economic Matters Committee, marking her as the first Asian American and the first woman to hold this position. Additionally, she has been a member of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee since 2021, further broadening her legislative responsibilities.

Valderrama is also an active member of several delegations and caucuses within the Maryland legislature. She is part of the Prince George's County Delegation, which focuses on issues pertinent to that specific region. Furthermore, she is involved with the Legislative Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Caucus, the Women Legislators of Maryland, and the Legislative Transit Caucus, reflecting her commitment to representing diverse interests and communities within the state.

Policy focus and district

Kris Valderrama's legislative agenda has included a strong focus on social issues, economic development, and family support. One of her notable legislative efforts was the introduction of a bill during the 2020 legislative session aimed at providing all Maryland workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family leave. This initiative was reintroduced in 2022 and ultimately passed, becoming law after the General Assembly voted to override a veto from Governor Larry Hogan. This legislation is significant in the context of workers' rights and family support, demonstrating Valderrama's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Maryland residents.

In addition to family leave, Valderrama has been active in advocating for social justice and equality. She was a co-sponsor of the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which sought to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland. The bill successfully passed the House of Delegates and was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley in 2012, marking a pivotal moment in the state's history regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

Valderrama has also focused on workplace equity and protections against discrimination. In the 2016 legislative session, she introduced legislation aimed at preventing employers from excluding women from desirable positions and prohibiting retaliation against employees who share salary information with their colleagues. Furthermore, in 2018, she introduced a bill that blocked employers from imposing non-disclosure agreements on workers reporting sexual harassment. This legislation also required larger employers to disclose their records in maintaining harassment-free workplaces, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in employment practices.

Beyond her legislative work, Valderrama has been involved in national politics, notably endorsing Hillary Clinton for president in 2016. This endorsement reflects her engagement with broader political movements and her alignment with the Democratic Party's values.

On a personal note, Kris Valderrama is married and has two children. She is an active member of her community, attending services at St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Her family life and community involvement contribute to her understanding of the issues facing her constituents and inform her legislative priorities.

Kris Valderrama continues to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates, where she remains an influential figure in state politics, advocating for policies that aim to improve the lives of her constituents in District 26 and beyond.