C.T. Wilson

C.T. Wilson is a prominent American politician and member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 28th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Wilson has been serving in the legislature since 2011. His career is marked by his commitment to various social issues, economic matters, and legislative reforms, as well as his background as a military veteran and attorney. Throughout his tenure, he has held significant leadership roles, including chairing the House Economic Matters Committee and serving as a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.

Early life and career

C.T. Wilson was born on February 20, 1972, in Missouri. His early life was marked by significant challenges, as he experienced the foster care system and faced severe trauma, including allegations of sexual abuse. These experiences shaped his worldview and later informed his advocacy work in the legislature. Wilson graduated from Freeburg Community High School in Freeburg, Illinois. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a combat soldier from 1990 to 1997. His military service included deployments to the Persian Gulf and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he served in both combat and medical units.

After completing his military service, Wilson pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Upper Iowa University, graduating cum laude. He then attended Howard University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2003. Following his graduation, Wilson was admitted to the Maryland Bar and began his legal career by helping to establish the Community Prosecution Unit within the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office. His legal background has informed his legislative work, particularly in areas related to justice reform and public safety.

In 2014, Wilson published a book titled "10,000 Hills: One Boy's Journey," which chronicles his early life experiences and the abuse he endured. This work reflects his commitment to raising awareness about difficult social issues and has contributed to his public persona as a legislator who is deeply connected to the community.

Legislative service

C.T. Wilson was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 12, 2011. His election marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Black man elected as a delegate in Charles County. Throughout his legislative career, Wilson has held various leadership positions, including serving as the chair of the House Economic Matters Committee from December 2021 until December 2025. In this role, he succeeded Delegate Dereck E. Davis and was responsible for overseeing economic legislation and policy discussions within the House.

In addition to his committee chairmanship, Wilson is a member of the Southern Maryland Delegation and the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. He also served as the House Chair of the Maryland Veterans Caucus from 2014 to 2021, reflecting his dedication to issues affecting veterans and military personnel. In December 2025, following the announcement that House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones would step down, Wilson expressed his intention to run for the position of Speaker but later withdrew his candidacy, endorsing Joseline Peña-Melnyk.

In February 2026, Wilson announced his candidacy for the Maryland Senate, anticipating the departure of State Senator Arthur Ellis, who was expected to run for a congressional seat. This move indicates Wilson's ongoing commitment to public service and his desire to expand his influence in Maryland politics.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, C.T. Wilson has focused on a range of policy issues, reflecting his moderate Democratic stance. He has been an advocate for education reform, notably introducing legislation aimed at establishing statewide standards for teaching Black history in public schools. This initiative highlights his commitment to ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that includes diverse perspectives.

In the area of electoral reform, Wilson has taken a nuanced approach. He voted against overriding a veto by Governor Larry Hogan concerning legislation that would restore voting rights to felons on parole and probation. Additionally, he was appointed to the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission in late 2025, where he played a role in recommending a congressional redistricting map aimed at enhancing the Democratic Party's electoral prospects.

Wilson has also been active in environmental issues, criticizing federal actions that could hinder the development of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms. His advocacy for environmental sustainability aligns with broader Democratic priorities and reflects his concern for the future of Maryland's natural resources.

In terms of labor rights, Wilson introduced legislation to provide paid family leave for Maryland workers, demonstrating his commitment to supporting working families. His efforts in this area culminated in a successful override of a gubernatorial veto, allowing the legislation to become law.

Wilson's positions on social issues have evolved over time. He initially opposed the legalization of same-sex marriage in Maryland, citing the need for further consultation with his constituents. However, he has since engaged in discussions around police reform, advocating for measures that promote accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.

Overall, C.T. Wilson's legislative career is characterized by his dedication to addressing the needs of his constituents in the 28th district and his commitment to promoting policies that reflect his values as a moderate Democrat. His background as a military veteran and attorney informs his approach to governance, making him a notable figure in Maryland politics.