LaToya Nkongolo

LaToya Nkongolo is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 31st district. A member of the Republican Party, she has a background in mental health and social work, having worked in various capacities within the mental health field. Nkongolo has also been involved in local education issues, including a recent campaign for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, although she was unsuccessful in that bid. Her legislative work includes a focus on health care and community issues, reflecting her professional background and personal interests.

Early life and career

LaToya Nkongolo was born on August 8, 1978, in Wilmington, Delaware. She completed her secondary education at Christiana High School before pursuing higher education. Nkongolo attended Delaware State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in organizational management from Springfield College, followed by a Master of Arts degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

With over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, Nkongolo has established herself as a licensed therapist. She is the founder and operator of Work Life Behavioral Health, a mental health facility that provides various services to the community. Prior to this, she held the position of family program supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center until 2014. Following her tenure there, she became the deputy executive director of Nick's Place, a facility dedicated to drug and alcohol treatment. Nkongolo has played a significant role in addressing opioid abuse in Anne Arundel County, participating in campaigns initiated by County Executive Steve Schuh. Additionally, she was a member of the transition team for County Executive Steuart Pittman in 2018, indicating her active involvement in local governance and community health initiatives.

As of 2024, Nkongolo has also taken on the role of adjunct professor at Anne Arundel Community College, where she contributes to the education of future professionals in her field. She operates a family wellness workshop at Anne Arundel Medical Center, further demonstrating her commitment to community health and education.

Legislative service

Nkongolo's political career includes a notable campaign for the Maryland House of Delegates, which she initially pursued in 2022. Running in District 31B, she campaigned on a platform that emphasized "Christian, conservative values," advocating for children's mental health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and opposing school shutdowns and pandemic-related mandates. Despite her efforts, she was not successful in the Republican primary, facing competition from three incumbents: Nic Kipke, Brian Chisholm, and Rachel Muñoz.

Following her primary defeat, Nkongolo remained active in the political landscape. She helped organize a rally aimed at supporting statewide Republican candidates, although she withdrew from the event due to concerns raised by the Baltimore Jewish Council regarding the event's name, which had historical connotations linked to a controversial rally in 2017.

In December 2024, after Rachel Muñoz announced her resignation from the Maryland House of Delegates, Nkongolo sought to fill the vacancy. The Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee nominated her for the position, and she was subsequently appointed by Governor Wes Moore. Nkongolo was sworn into office on January 10, 2025. Since her appointment, she has been a member of the Judiciary Committee and has served as a deputy minority whip. Her involvement in the Maryland Republican Party includes efforts to engage Black voters during the 2026 elections, reflecting a strategic approach to broaden the party's appeal.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Nkongolo has focused on various policy areas that align with her professional background in mental health and her personal values. During the 2026 legislative session, she introduced a bill aimed at requiring private health insurers to cover scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients, highlighting her commitment to health care issues. Additionally, she participated in debates concerning utility regulations, proposing an amendment to eliminate the EmPOWER Maryland program, which provides utility customers with access to smart thermostats at reduced prices.

Nkongolo's district, the 31st, encompasses parts of Anne Arundel County, an area that presents a diverse array of community needs and interests. Her legislative priorities reflect her understanding of these local issues, particularly in the realms of health care and education. Her background as a mental health professional informs her approach to policy, as she advocates for measures that support mental health and wellness in the community.

In her personal life, Nkongolo is married to Bamoyo, and they have two children. The family resides in Severna Park, Maryland. Nkongolo's heritage includes ancestors who were enslaved in the United States, which may inform her perspectives on social justice and community advocacy. In January 2024, she faced legal issues when she was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, although she later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of negligent driving.

Overall, LaToya Nkongolo's career reflects a blend of professional expertise in mental health and a commitment to public service through her legislative role. Her ongoing involvement in local governance and community health initiatives underscores her dedication to addressing the needs of her constituents in Maryland.