Sheree Sample-Hughes

Sheree Sample-Hughes is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 37A, which encompasses parts of Dorchester and Wicomico Counties on the Eastern Shore. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since January 2015 and has held various leadership roles, including serving as the speaker pro tempore of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2019 until 2024. Sample-Hughes is recognized for her contributions to local governance and her advocacy for issues affecting her constituents, particularly in the areas of education and community development.

Early life and career

Sheree Sample-Hughes was born on September 13, 1977, in Salisbury, Maryland. She grew up in the same city and completed her secondary education at Parkside High School. Following her graduation, she pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in public relations from Delaware State University in 1999. Later, she obtained a master's degree in public administration from Wilmington University in 2014. Sample-Hughes is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which is known for its commitment to community service and leadership development.

Sample-Hughes began her professional career in public service as an affordable housing coordinator for Pocomoke City, a position she held until 2000. She then transitioned to the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism, where she worked as a special events coordinator. Her involvement in local governance deepened when she became the president of her local American Legion Post from 2002 to 2004. In 2006, she was elected to the Wicomico County Council, representing District 1, which includes northern parts of Wicomico County and the city of Salisbury. Notably, she was the first African-American woman to serve on the county council, marking a significant milestone in the region's political landscape. During her tenure, she also served as vice chair of the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards from 2010 to 2014, further establishing her commitment to public service and community issues.

Legislative service

In 2014, Sheree Sample-Hughes was encouraged by the incumbent state delegate, Rudolph C. Cane, to run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 37A. Following Cane's decision to withdraw from the race due to health concerns, Sample-Hughes ran unopposed in both the primary and general elections. She was officially sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. Initially, she served on the Health and Government Operations Committee until 2022, when she transitioned to the Economic Matters Committee.

Throughout her legislative career, Sample-Hughes has been recognized as a significant figure in the Maryland General Assembly, particularly as the only Democrat and person of color representing the Eastern Shore. From 2018 to 2019, she held the position of president of the Maryland Women's Legislative Caucus, becoming the first African-American to chair this group. In this role, she advocated for legislation aimed at supporting female veterans, the elderly, and victims of workplace harassment and sexual assault.

In September 2019, following the election of Adrienne A. Jones as House Speaker, Sample-Hughes was appointed as speaker pro tempore, a role she was officially elected to in January 2020. However, her tenure in this leadership position faced challenges. In May 2023, Speaker Jones announced that she would not renominate Sample-Hughes for the role during the 2024 legislative session, citing a restructuring of leadership rather than personal reasons. Sample-Hughes later indicated that her removal was related to her votes against several bills favored by Democratic leaders.

In the 2020 presidential election, Sample-Hughes participated as an elector in Maryland's 1st congressional district. She also served as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledging her support to Kamala Harris. During the 2025 legislative session, she voted against the state's budget, expressing concerns about its impact on Eastern Shore communities and indicating a sense of disconnection from her party's leadership.

Policy focus and district

Sheree Sample-Hughes has focused her legislative efforts on various issues, particularly in education and community development. She has advocated for increased funding for school construction and personnel pay, emphasizing the need for equitable educational resources in her district. Sample-Hughes has expressed concerns regarding the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future reforms, which aim to improve educational outcomes across the state, particularly for rural communities.

In 2015, she voiced apprehension about a proposal to establish an elected school board in Wicomico County, fearing that it might not adequately represent the county's diverse population. During the 2023 legislative session, she voted against a bill mandating virtual education training for teachers, supporting an amendment that would have allowed Eastern Shore school systems to continue utilizing a private company for virtual education services. Additionally, she introduced legislation aimed at increasing financial literacy classes in schools, reflecting her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students.

Sample-Hughes has also engaged in discussions surrounding health education in schools. In February 2025, she was the only Democrat to support an amendment allowing parents to opt their children out of gender and sexual orientation health education courses, as well as the only Democrat to vote against the overarching bill. This indicates her willingness to take positions that may diverge from her party's majority stance.

In summary, Sheree Sample-Hughes has established herself as a prominent figure in Maryland politics, with a focus on education, community development, and representation for her constituents. Her legislative career reflects her commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Eastern Shore and advocating for policies that support diverse communities.