Seth Howard

Seth Howard is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 30B. A member of the Republican Party, Howard has been in office since 2015, following his election to succeed retiring delegate Robert A. Costa. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including economic matters, business regulations, and social policies.

Early life and career

Seth Howard was born on March 17, 1974, in Cheverly, Maryland. He completed his secondary education at Glenelg High School. Following his graduation, Howard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1994 until 1998. After his time in the Marines, he continued his military service in the Maryland Army National Guard from 1999 to 2003.

In 2004, Howard established his own business, the Broadleaf Tobacco and Smoke Shop, located in Severna Park, Maryland. This entrepreneurial venture has contributed to his understanding of small business operations, which has influenced his legislative priorities and positions.

Howard entered the political arena by running for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014. He sought to fill the vacancy left by Robert A. Costa, who announced his retirement following redistricting that moved him to District 33B. During the primary election, Howard received support from the NRA Political Victory Fund, which endorsed his campaign with an 'AQ' rating. He won the primary against Jim Fredericks, a lieutenant with the Anne Arundel County police, securing 52 percent of the vote. In the general election, Howard faced Democratic challenger Mitchelle Stephenson and won decisively, receiving 63.3 percent of the votes cast.

Legislative service

Seth Howard was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. Throughout his tenure, he has been a member of the Economic Matters Committee, which deals with issues related to economic development, business regulations, and consumer protection. His involvement in this committee has allowed him to contribute to discussions and legislation that impact the state's economy and business environment.

In January 2020, the American Conservative Union assessed Howard's voting record and assigned him a score of 63 percent, indicating his alignment with conservative principles. This score positioned him as the lowest-scoring Republican in the Maryland House of Delegates at that time. Despite this ranking, Howard has maintained a leadership role within the Republican Caucus. Since 2021, he has served as the Deputy Minority Whip, a position he assumed after Delegate Christopher T. Adams was elected as the House Minority Whip. Additionally, in February 2021, Howard was appointed as the chairman of the Maryland House Republican Caucus' Business and Economic Committee, further solidifying his influence in legislative matters related to business and economic policy.

In 2020, Howard participated as an alternate delegate for the Republican Party National Convention, representing his party at a national level and engaging in discussions that shape the party's platform and direction.

Policy focus and district

Howard's legislative priorities reflect his background in business and his Republican affiliation. He has taken positions on various issues, particularly those affecting small businesses and economic development. For instance, in February 2017, he voted against a bill that aimed to provide workers with up to seven days of paid sick leave per year, arguing that such legislation would impose undue burdens on small businesses.

In the realm of technology and consumer protection, Howard introduced a bill during the 2018 legislative session that required internet service providers to inform customers when their personal information was compromised in data breaches. This initiative demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding consumer rights in an increasingly digital world.

Howard has also been active in discussions surrounding gun policy. In the 2016 legislative session, he proposed legislation to reduce the archery safety zone in the county to 50 yards. Furthermore, during the debate on a bill to ban bump stocks in the wake of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, he introduced an amendment that would allow individuals to keep bump stocks they had already purchased.

Housing policy has also been a point of contention for Howard. In the 2026 legislative session, he opposed a bill that would facilitate the construction of affordable housing on state-owned land near mass transit areas. He expressed concerns that the legislation would undermine local jurisdictions' authority to determine which projects should be permitted in their communities.

Howard's positions on social issues have also been notable. In the 2016 legislative session, he voted against a bill aimed at banning wage discrimination based on gender identity, citing existing federal protections against sex-based wage discrimination. Additionally, in April 2018, he abstained from voting on a bill that sought to ban conversion therapy for LGBT teens, which was supported by some of his colleagues from Anne Arundel County.

On tax policy, Howard voted against a bill during the 2021 legislative session that would have allowed the Anne Arundel County Council to impose a real estate transfer tax. His opposition to this measure reflected his broader stance on taxation and its impact on residents and businesses in his district.

In his personal life, Howard is married and has one child. His family life and business experience contribute to his perspective as a legislator, influencing his policy decisions and priorities in the Maryland House of Delegates.