Susan McComas

Susan McComas is a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates, currently representing District 34B. She has been in office since 2002, initially serving District 35B from 2003 until 2015. McComas has a background in law and local government, having previously served on the Bel Air Town Commission and as mayor of Bel Air. Her legislative work has focused on various issues, including transportation, crime, and development, reflecting her long-standing commitment to her constituents in Harford County.

Early life and career

Susan McComas was born on April 3, 1951, in Denver, Colorado, and spent her formative years in Wyoming. Her family has a history of public service; two of her great-grandfathers served as mayors of Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and her uncle held the position of mayor in Bel Air, Maryland, during the early 1970s. This familial connection to politics may have influenced her own career path.

McComas completed her secondary education at Cheyenne Central High School before pursuing higher education. She attended Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social and behavioral sciences in 1974. Following this, she furthered her studies at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs and ultimately earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1980. After graduating, she was admitted to practice law in both Wyoming and Maryland.

Her professional career began in the legal field, where she has worked as an attorney in private practice since her graduation. She briefly worked at the Law Offices of Bruce J. Gilbert from 1984 to 1985. In addition to her legal practice, McComas was involved with the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center, serving on its board of directors from 1982 to 1989. Her early political involvement included roles such as a file clerk for the Wyoming House of Representatives and a legal intern for various governmental agencies in Wyoming.

McComas's political career in Maryland began in local government. After an unsuccessful bid for the Bel Air Town Commission, she was appointed to the Bel Air Town Historic District Commission. She successfully ran for the Town Commission in 1987 and served until her election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2002. During her tenure on the Town Commission, she also held the office of mayor three times, from 1991 to 1992, 1997 to 1998, and 1999 to 2000. Her political involvement extended to the Harford County Republican Central Committee, where she served from 1998 to 2002.

Legislative service

In April 2002, McComas announced her candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 35B, a newly drawn district with no incumbent. Her campaign focused on key issues such as transportation, crime, and development. She won the Republican primary with a narrow margin and subsequently defeated her Democratic opponent in the general election, securing her position in the House of Delegates. McComas was sworn in on January 8, 2003.

Throughout her legislative career, McComas has served on various committees. She was a member of the Judiciary Committee from 2003 until 2023, after which she transitioned to the Appropriations Committee. Additionally, she held the position of deputy minority whip from 2015 to 2018 and resumed this role in 2023. Her involvement in the Harford County Delegation has been significant, as she served as its chair in 2008, although her tenure was marked by controversy and a subsequent removal from the position in early 2009. Following her removal, she filed an ethics complaint and a rules violation claim against her successors.

In 2021, McComas was elected vice chair of the Harford County Delegation, reflecting her continued influence within the local Republican Party. However, in March 2026, she announced her withdrawal from the re-election race, citing political differences and her disapproval of certain state policies.

Policy focus and district

During her time in the Maryland House of Delegates, McComas has focused on a variety of policy issues that resonate with her constituents in Harford County. Her early political campaigns emphasized the need for controlled suburban growth and the preservation of historical and architectural integrity in Bel Air. She has expressed concerns regarding development initiatives that could increase tax burdens or demand for government services.

In recent years, McComas has engaged in debates surrounding education policy, particularly regarding the structure of the Harford County school board. She supported an amendment for a fully-elected school board, although it did not pass. Additionally, she has taken controversial stances on issues related to law enforcement and education, including her opposition to a bill that would repeal a law allowing police to arrest children for disturbing school activities. Her comments during the debate on this bill drew criticism and led to calls for an apology, which she later issued.

McComas has also been involved in local development discussions, notably opposing the construction of a Walmart in Bel Air, which she viewed as detrimental to the community. Her legislative actions and public statements reflect her commitment to addressing the concerns of her constituents while navigating the complexities of state politics.

Overall, Susan McComas's career in the Maryland House of Delegates has been characterized by her long-standing dedication to her community, her legal expertise, and her engagement in local and state issues. Her tenure reflects the challenges and responsibilities of serving as a legislator in a rapidly changing political landscape.