Kevin Hornberger

Kevin Hornberger is an American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 35B. He has a background in engineering and has been actively involved in state politics since 2015, having previously represented District 35A. Hornberger has held various positions within the legislature and has focused on a range of policy issues during his time in office.

Early life and career

Kevin Hornberger was born on June 26, 1981, in North East, Maryland. He completed his secondary education at Rising Sun High School, graduating in 1999. Following high school, Hornberger pursued higher education at Cecil College, where he earned an associate degree in general studies in 2003. He continued his studies at the University of Maryland from 2003 to 2004 before transferring to the University of the District of Columbia. There, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, graduating with honors in 2010.

After completing his education, Hornberger founded Blue Collar Engineering Inc., a company that reflects his engineering background. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he took on the role of facility manager for the Library of Congress, where he gained experience in managing operations and overseeing facilities. His professional background in engineering and management likely influenced his approach to legislative issues, particularly those related to infrastructure and technical matters.

Hornberger's entry into politics began with his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014. He contested the Republican primary for District 35A, where he faced incumbent Democratic Delegate David D. Rudolph, who had been drawn into the district due to redistricting. Hornberger successfully won the primary by a narrow margin, securing a lead of 300 votes over his opponent. His campaign received endorsements from notable figures, including the Republican gubernatorial nominee Larry Hogan and U.S. Representative Andy Harris. In the general election, Hornberger emerged victorious, capturing 56.5 percent of the vote against Rudolph.

Legislative service

Kevin Hornberger was officially sworn in as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. Since his election, he has been an active participant in legislative activities and has held various leadership roles. Notably, he has served as the Deputy Minority Whip since 2020, a position that involves assisting the minority party in organizing and strategizing legislative efforts.

Throughout his tenure, Hornberger has been a member of the Ways and Means Committee, a key committee responsible for matters related to taxation, education funding, and other financial issues. He has been involved in several subcommittees within this committee, focusing on areas such as education, finance resources, election law, local revenues, early childhood education, and racing and gaming. His diverse committee assignments reflect his engagement with a wide range of legislative topics and his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents.

In addition to his committee work, Hornberger has been a member of the Joint Committee on Gaming Oversight since 2015. This committee oversees gaming activities in the state and is responsible for ensuring that gaming laws are effectively implemented and enforced. His involvement in this committee aligns with his interest in economic development and regulation.

Hornberger has also taken on leadership roles outside of formal committee assignments. He has served as the House Chair of the Cecil County Delegation since 2015, facilitating collaboration among delegates representing the county. Furthermore, he is a member of several caucuses, including the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, the Maryland Veterans Caucus, and the Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus. These memberships indicate his commitment to addressing the interests of various groups within the state.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Hornberger has focused on a variety of policy issues that reflect his constituents' interests and his personal beliefs. He has been an advocate for election-related reforms, introducing legislation aimed at requiring special elections to fill vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly. He has described this initiative as a measure to enhance democratic processes within the state.

Hornberger is known for his strong support of Second Amendment rights. He has actively participated in debates surrounding gun control legislation, advocating for the rights of gun owners. For instance, he introduced an amendment during discussions on legislation to ban firearms on college campuses, seeking to exempt individuals with concealed carry permits. His stance on gun control has been characterized by a balance of advocating for individual rights while also responding to public safety concerns.

In the realm of drug policy, Hornberger has expressed opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana, although he has supported medical marijuana initiatives. He has introduced legislation to allow medical marijuana patients to possess firearms, reflecting his commitment to protecting the rights of individuals while navigating complex legal frameworks.

Hornberger has also engaged in discussions regarding economic policies, particularly concerning taxation and minimum wage. He has campaigned on the platform of reducing taxes in Maryland and has introduced legislation aimed at providing tax relief to business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. His involvement in minimum wage discussions has included attempts to amend proposed increases to support health and human service organizations.

Social issues have also been a focus for Hornberger, as evidenced by his co-sponsorship of legislation aimed at granting farmers the right to repair their equipment. Additionally, he has taken a stance on immigration-related policies, opposing efforts to ban the 287(g) program agreements in Maryland, which he argues contribute to public safety.

Hornberger's legislative activities and policy positions reflect his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in District 35B. His background in engineering, combined with his experience in management and leadership roles, has informed his approach to governance and public service. As he continues to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates, Hornberger remains engaged in a wide range of issues that impact his district and the state as a whole.