Teresa Reilly

Teresa Reilly is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 35A, which encompasses parts of northern Cecil and Harford counties. Born on June 28, 1958, Reilly has a background in banking and has been active in local politics for several decades. Her legislative career began in 2015, and she has since focused on a variety of issues, including public safety, education, and health care.

Early life and career

Teresa Reilly was born in Ohio and later moved to Essex, Maryland, where she completed her secondary education at Kenwood Senior High School. Prior to her entry into politics, she worked as a bank officer, which provided her with experience in financial matters and community engagement. Reilly's political involvement began in 1997 when she joined the Republican Club of Harford County, where she served on the board of directors until 2012. Her commitment to the Republican Party extended to her role as vice chair of the Harford County Republican Central Committee from 2002 to 2014, where she played a significant part in local party organization and activities.

Reilly's political career further developed when she served as chief of staff to state delegate H. Wayne Norman Jr. from 2008 to 2013. This position allowed her to gain firsthand experience in legislative processes and constituent services. In 2007, she sought to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of state senator J. Robert Hooper due to health issues, marking her initial foray into seeking elected office. Additionally, she has been involved in various community organizations, including the Liriodendron Foundation, the Maryland Horse Council, the Maryland Farm Bureau, and the National Rifle Association. Reilly also serves on the Bainbridge Development Advisory Board and the Local Video Lottery Development Council of Cecil County, reflecting her engagement with both economic and community development issues.

Legislative service

Reilly announced her candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in September 2013, aiming to succeed H. Wayne Norman Jr. as he transitioned to a run for the state senate. In the Republican primary held in June 2014, she placed second behind Andrew Cassilly but successfully defeated Democratic challengers Jeffrey Elliott and Daniel Lewis Lamey in the general election. She was officially sworn into office on January 14, 2015.

During her tenure, Reilly has been a member of the Ways and Means Committee during her first term and has since transitioned to the Health and Government Operations Committee. Her leadership roles have included serving as deputy minority whip from 2015 to 2018, where she contributed to party strategy and legislative coordination.

Reilly has been active in responding to significant events and issues within her community and the state. In July 2015, following Governor Larry Hogan's announcement of his cancer diagnosis, she organized a vigil in Bel Air to show support for the governor. This event highlighted her commitment to community solidarity and political support.

In 2018, after the unexpected death of her predecessor H. Wayne Norman, Reilly was considered a potential successor for his senate seat. However, she had already filed for re-election to the House of Delegates, leading to the appointment of Jason C. Gallion to fill the vacancy.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Reilly has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect her constituents' concerns and her party's platform. In the 2016 legislative session, she introduced a bill to designate a portion of Route 924 as "Heroes Highway" in honor of two police deputies who were killed in the line of duty. This legislation was passed and signed into law, demonstrating her commitment to public safety and recognition of law enforcement.

Reilly has also addressed pressing social issues, particularly in relation to the opioid crisis. In 2018, she proposed legislation aimed at imposing severe penalties on individuals convicted of selling opioids that result in a minor's death, a response to the tragic overdose death of a local teenager. Additionally, she has supported measures to grant collective bargaining rights to county deputies, reflecting her advocacy for law enforcement personnel.

In the 2019 legislative session, Reilly backed the Parishioner Protection Act, which would allow churchgoers to carry firearms, aligning with her support for Second Amendment rights. Her involvement in health-related issues became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she co-signed letters advocating for transparency regarding the release of inmates and the reopening of schools in Harford County.

Reilly's positions on education have also been notable. In February 2021, she voted against a bill that sought to make all seats on the Harford County Board of Education elected positions, indicating her preference for the existing appointment system.

In 2022, she opposed legislation aimed at codifying the right to access abortion care into the Maryland Constitution, expressing concerns that such measures did not adequately consider the views of constituents who oppose abortion. In the following legislative session, she introduced a bill requiring the Maryland Department of Health to collect data on various aspects of reproductive health care, including the costs associated with birth, postpartum care, pregnancy care, and abortion.

Reilly is married to James J. Reilly, who serves on the Harford County Council. Together, they have one child. Her family life and community involvement continue to shape her perspectives and priorities as a legislator. Through her ongoing service in the Maryland House of Delegates, Reilly remains engaged with the issues affecting her district and the broader state, reflecting her commitment to her constituents and her party's values.