Sean Stinnett

Sean Stinnett is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 41st district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to the legislature in March 2025 following a nomination by the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee. Stinnett has a background in sports management and communications, and he has held various roles in education, media, and public service prior to his legislative career.

Early life and career

Sean Stinnett was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in October 1971. He completed his secondary education at the Baltimore School for the Arts, graduating in 1989. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Baltimore City Community College, where he earned an associate degree in communications. He then attended Coppin State University, obtaining a bachelor's degree in sports management. Stinnett also took courses at Pennsylvania Western University in California.

While studying at Coppin State University, Stinnett was actively involved in media and journalism. He served as the editor in chief of the New Courier Newspaper, where he honed his writing and editorial skills. Additionally, he worked as a producer for local radio shows, including the Rob Long Show and Jeremy Conn Show on WNST, and contributed as a writer for Ravens Insider, a publication focused on the Baltimore Ravens football team.

Stinnett's professional career began in the field of sports administration. He worked at Baltimore City Community College from 2007 to 2010, where he contributed to the development of athletic programs. Following this role, he transitioned to journalism, serving as a staff writer for The Washington Afro-American newspaper. He also took on a coaching position as an assistant coach for the men's basketball team at the Community College of Baltimore County from 2010 to 2011.

From 2011 to 2013, Stinnett was the director of basketball operations for the Bowie State Bulldogs women's basketball team, further expanding his experience in sports management. He then worked for the Maryland Department of General Services, first as a procurement administrator from 2011 to 2021, and later as a minority business enterprise compliance supervisor starting in 2023. In between these roles, he served as operations director for the city of Baltimore from 2021 to 2023, where he was involved in managing various city operations.

Legislative service

Stinnett's entry into politics began with his application to fill a vacancy in the Maryland House of Delegates in January 2017, after the resignation of Jill P. Carter. However, he was not selected for the position, as the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee nominated another candidate. Stinnett subsequently ran for the same seat in the 2018 Democratic primary but was not successful, finishing eighth with a small percentage of the vote.

In February 2025, Stinnett applied again to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates, this time following the elevation of state delegate Dalya Attar to the Maryland Senate. He was nominated by the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee by a significant vote margin and was appointed to the position by Governor Wes Moore. Stinnett was sworn into office on March 3, 2025.

Once in office, Stinnett quickly became involved in legislative initiatives. In February 2026, he co-founded the Maryland Muslim Caucus alongside fellow delegates Caylin Young and Sarah Wolek, aiming to represent and address the interests of Muslim constituents within the state. Stinnett also ran for a full term in the 2026 election, campaigning alongside other Democratic candidates. His support for his colleagues remained steadfast, even in challenging circumstances, as evidenced by his public statements regarding Delegate Attar's legal issues.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Stinnett has focused on various policy issues, particularly those affecting the economic well-being of Maryland residents. During the 2026 legislative session, he supported a significant proposal to raise the state's minimum wage from $15 to $25 per hour, advocating for the elimination of all subminimum wages. This initiative reflects his commitment to improving the financial conditions of workers in Maryland and addressing income inequality.

Stinnett represents the 41st district, which encompasses parts of Baltimore City. His legislative work is informed by his background in education, sports management, and public service, allowing him to engage with a diverse range of constituents. Stinnett's involvement in local community initiatives, such as providing hygiene kits and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates his dedication to public health and community welfare.

In addition to his legislative duties, Stinnett is active in local organizations. He serves as the president of the West Arlington Improvement Association, where he works to enhance the quality of life in his community. His personal life is intertwined with his public service; he is married to Tammy Stinnett, who is an administrator for a lobbying firm and serves as the chair of the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee. Together, they reside in the Arlington neighborhood of Baltimore.

Stinnett's identity as a Muslim also plays a role in his political and community engagement, as he seeks to represent the interests of diverse populations within his district. His legislative and community efforts reflect a commitment to inclusivity and support for marginalized groups, further emphasizing his role as a public servant dedicated to the needs of his constituents.