Lesley Lopez

Lesley Lopez is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 39. Born on November 28, 1983, Lopez has a diverse background in journalism and communications, which she has leveraged throughout her political career. She has been involved in various capacities within the political landscape, advocating for issues such as education, gun safety, and immigrant rights. In 2024, she sought a congressional seat in Maryland's 6th district but was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary.

Early life and career

Lesley Lopez was born in Paget Parish, Bermuda, to Patricia, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time. She is the eldest of three siblings and grew up in Southern California in a blended family. Her stepfather, Emsley Lopez, who also served in the Navy, adopted her during her childhood. The family's roots trace back to the Philippines through her paternal grandparents, contributing to her multicultural upbringing.

Lopez's formative years were marked by significant experiences, including a traumatic incident in elementary school where she survived a school shooting. This event shaped her perspective on safety and community issues. She attended schools in San Bernardino, California, and later pursued higher education at the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science. She furthered her education at George Washington University, obtaining a Master of Public Administration with a focus on management.

Following her academic achievements, Lopez embarked on a career in journalism, working for notable organizations such as ABC News, BBC, CNN, and America's Most Wanted. She also contributed to the Eurovision Song Contest. In addition to her journalism work, she served as an adjunct professor of communications at George Washington University, where she became involved with the Service Employees International Union Local 500.

Lopez's political engagement began while working with immigrant families, leading her to serve as the press secretary for U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar from 2008 to 2011. She then took on the role of communications director for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus until 2013. During her tenure, she played a significant role in advocating for immigration reform, contributing to the passage of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act through the U.S. Senate, as well as the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which included protections for undocumented immigrants.

In subsequent years, Lopez worked as the communications director for various organizations, including the National Immigration Forum, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and the US-China Business Council, from 2014 to 2017. Since 2017, she has held the position of chief communications director for Run for Something, an organization focused on supporting young progressive candidates.

Legislative service

Lopez's political career took a significant turn in 2017 when she announced her candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 39, following the decision of incumbent Charles E. Barkley to run for the Montgomery County Council. She aligned herself with a slate that included state senator Nancy J. King and fellow delegates Kirill Reznik and Shane Robinson. Lopez successfully won the Democratic primary election on June 27, 2018, securing her position as a candidate for the general election.

She was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. During her time in the legislature, Lopez served on the Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2022, after which she transitioned to the Health and Government Operations Committee. In 2022, she sought re-election and formed a slate with union activist Clint Sobratti, who aimed to unseat incumbent delegate Gabriel Acevero. All three incumbents, including Acevero, successfully advanced through the Democratic primary held on July 19, 2022.

Lopez's political activities also included her endorsement of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren during the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries. In March 2022, she was elected president of the Women's Caucus of Maryland, a position she assumed a year earlier than the traditional timeline. This decision led to controversy, resulting in the resignation of the Republican members of the caucus, who subsequently called for a name change to the "Democrat Women's Caucus of Maryland." Lopez defended her election and attempted to engage with Republican members to foster collaboration.

In June 2023, Lopez announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 6th congressional district, aiming to succeed outgoing U.S. Representative David Trone. Her campaign focused on several key issues, including gun safety, addressing the opioid crisis, and protecting reproductive rights. Despite receiving endorsements from various legislative members, Lopez was unable to secure a strong campaign and was defeated in the Democratic primary election on May 14, 2024.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Lopez has demonstrated a commitment to various policy areas, particularly in education, gun policy, and immigrant rights. In September 2019, she joined other members of the Maryland General Assembly in a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, seeking information regarding the implementation of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Her advocacy for education continued as she supported a bill during the 2021 legislative session aimed at expanding collective bargaining rights for employees at Maryland's community colleges.

Lopez has also been vocal about issues related to gun policy. In August 2019, she expressed her opposition to the Maryland State Police's decision to repeal limits on concealed carry permits for business owners, particularly in light of recent mass shootings. In 2020, she introduced legislation requiring firearms to be stored in a manner that prevents minors from accessing them. Her commitment to gun safety has been a consistent theme in her legislative agenda.

In addition to her focus on education and gun policy, Lopez has expressed concerns regarding efforts to ban books in public schools and libraries. In April 2024, she called for federal protections against book bans and advocated for increased funding for local school districts, emphasizing the need for hiring additional support personnel in schools.

As a representative of District 39, Lopez's policy initiatives reflect her dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents, while also engaging in broader discussions on state and national issues. Her background in communications and advocacy has informed her approach to legislation, as she continues to navigate the complexities of public service in Maryland.