Dylan Behler

Dylan Behler is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 30A. A member of the Democratic Party, Behler has been in office since February 2025. He has a background in legislative affairs, having previously served as the chief of staff to State Senator Sarah Elfreth. Behler is recognized as the youngest member of the Maryland General Assembly, having been sworn in at the age of 26.

Early life and career

Dylan Behler was born on June 5, 1998, in Annapolis, Maryland, where he has lived his entire life in Anne Arundel County. His early education culminated in his graduation from Southern High School in 2016. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park. During his time at university, Behler gained practical experience in government affairs by interning for the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department in 2017. He completed his studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government in 2020.

Behler's political career began to take shape during his undergraduate years. In 2018, he participated in the electoral campaigns of Alice J. Cain and Steuart Pittman, gaining valuable insights into the political process and campaign strategies. After his initial involvement in campaigns, he worked as a committee analyst for Senate President Thomas V. Miller Jr. This role provided him with a deeper understanding of legislative procedures and the workings of the Maryland General Assembly.

From 2019 to 2023, Behler served as the legislative director and chief of staff for State Senator Sarah Elfreth. In this capacity, he was involved in various legislative initiatives and gained significant experience in managing legislative affairs. Additionally, he was a member of the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee from 2019 to 2025, where he contributed to local party activities and initiatives. His involvement in the political landscape extended to the national level when he served as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Before his appointment to the Maryland House of Delegates, Behler held the position of director of legislative and constituent services for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This role allowed him to engage with constituents and address their concerns while also working on legislative matters related to natural resources in Maryland.

Legislative service

Behler's legislative career began in earnest in January 2025 when he applied to fill the vacancy left by State Delegate Shaneka Henson, who was appointed to the Maryland Senate. His nomination to the Maryland House of Delegates was made by the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee, of which he was a member at the time. The nomination process took place on February 1, 2025, resulting in Behler receiving the majority of votes among the candidates. He was officially sworn in on February 6, 2025, marking the start of his tenure in the Maryland General Assembly.

As a member of the House of Delegates, Behler has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives and has focused on issues pertinent to his constituents and the state of Maryland. His youth and background in legislative affairs have positioned him to engage with a range of topics and to advocate for policies that address the needs of his district and the broader community.

Policy focus and district

Behler's policy focus encompasses several key areas, reflecting both his interests and the needs of his constituents in District 30A. One of his notable contributions came in May 2026 when he played a significant role in organizing a coalition of over 40 members of the Maryland General Assembly. This coalition sought emergency assistance for farms and wineries that had experienced severe crop losses due to late spring frost. His involvement highlights his commitment to supporting the agricultural community in Maryland.

In the realm of energy policy, Behler introduced legislation during the 2026 session aimed at repealing the Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement (STRIDE) program. This program had been designed to facilitate the upgrading of aging natural gas pipelines by allowing utilities to recover costs in advance. Behler's stance on this issue reflects his broader commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. He also defended Maryland's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) during discussions surrounding the Utility RELIEF Act, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency in reducing electricity demand across the state.

Housing policy is another area of focus for Behler. He supported the Housing Certainty Act during the 2026 legislative session, which aimed to provide Maryland developers with "early vesting" on housing projects. This initiative was intended to streamline the development process and address housing needs within the state.

Behler has also engaged in discussions surrounding redistricting. In December 2025, he testified before the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission, advocating for mid-decade redistricting in Maryland. His testimony underscored his belief in the importance of fair representation and the need to combat what he described as the erosion of democracy on a national scale.

As a young legislator, Behler's approach to policy and governance reflects a blend of his educational background, professional experiences, and commitment to serving the needs of his constituents in District 30A. His ongoing legislative work continues to shape the political landscape in Maryland, as he addresses critical issues facing the state and its residents.