Mark Chang

Mark Chang is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 32. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been in office since 2015. Chang is notable for being the first Korean-American elected to the Maryland General Assembly from Anne Arundel County and has a background in both business and community service. He has also pursued a congressional seat, running in the Democratic primary for Maryland's 3rd congressional district in 2024.

Early life and career

Mark Chang was born on July 9, 1976, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He is the son of Hak Jin Chang, a small business owner, and his wife, who worked at Annapolis General Hospital. Tragically, Chang's mother passed away when he was eleven years old. He is a first-generation Korean-American; his parents immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 1975. Growing up in a family that faced both the challenges and opportunities of immigrant life, Chang's early experiences shaped his understanding of community and public service.

Chang completed his secondary education at Glen Burnie High School. He then attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he graduated cum laude in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. His academic achievements laid a foundation for his later pursuits in both business and politics. In 2010, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University Maryland, equipping him with skills that would be beneficial in his political career.

Chang's entry into politics began in 2003 when he became a member of the Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee. His initial foray into electoral politics occurred in 2006 when he ran for the Maryland House of Delegates as a Republican candidate. However, he was unsuccessful in that election, garnering 17.1 percent of the vote. Following this defeat, he transitioned to a role as a community liaison for Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold. In 2012, Chang switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic, a decision that would significantly impact his political trajectory.

After his tenure with Leopold, who resigned amid a corruption scandal, Chang worked as a legislative aide to state senator James E. DeGrange Sr. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the legislative process and the workings of state government. In 2014, Chang decided to run for the Maryland House of Delegates again, this time as a Democrat. He successfully won the general election in November 2014, marking a significant milestone as he became the first Korean-American elected to the Maryland General Assembly from Anne Arundel County, alongside state delegate-elect David Moon.

Legislative service

Mark Chang was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. Throughout his legislative career, he has been a member of the Appropriations Committee, a key committee responsible for budgetary matters and funding allocations within the state. His leadership role within the committee included serving as vice chair from 2021 to 2025, a position that allowed him to influence important fiscal decisions affecting Maryland's governance.

In December 2023, Chang announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Maryland's 3rd congressional district. This decision came as U.S. Representative John Sarbanes announced his retirement. Chang's campaign for Congress was competitive, but he ultimately lost in the Democratic primary to state senator Sarah Elfreth in May 2024. Following this electoral setback, Chang indicated his intention to run for the Maryland Senate in 2026, aiming to succeed state senator Pamela Beidle, who had announced her retirement shortly before the candidate filing deadline. Chang's campaign platform focused on protecting state investments and supporting families facing economic challenges, particularly those impacted by reductions in Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Mark Chang has concentrated on a range of policy issues, reflecting the needs and concerns of his constituents in District 32. His legislative initiatives have included a focus on crime prevention, social issues, and development initiatives.

In the area of crime, Chang has been proactive in addressing human trafficking. During the 2018 legislative session, he introduced legislation aimed at making human trafficking a felony offense, highlighting his commitment to combating this serious issue. Additionally, in March 2021, he expressed concern regarding the Atlanta spa shootings and participated in a rally at the Lincoln Memorial to honor the victims, demonstrating his engagement with broader social issues affecting communities.

Chang has also been involved in development initiatives. In the 2016 legislative session, he voted to override a veto by Governor Larry Hogan on a bill that allocated $2 million for renovations to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. This decision underscored his support for cultural and community development projects. In 2019, he introduced legislation to secure funding for developments at Laurel Park, further illustrating his commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and community resources.

On social issues, Chang has shown a willingness to take a stand on controversial topics. In January 2016, he voted against overriding a veto on a bill that aimed to restore voting rights for felons on parole, reflecting his stance on voting rights and criminal justice reform. Following incidents involving nooses on school campuses in 2018, he introduced a bill to ban the use of nooses or swastikas to threaten or intimidate individuals. This legislation was reintroduced in 2020, where it successfully passed and became law, indicating his dedication to promoting a safe and inclusive environment in educational settings.

Mark Chang's legislative career has been marked by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and engaging with pressing social issues. His background, experiences, and policy focus reflect a dedication to public service and community engagement in Maryland.