Elizabeth Embry

Elizabeth Embry is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for District 43A, which encompasses parts of Baltimore. Born on March 2, 1977, she has a background in law and public service, having held various positions in the legal field prior to her election to the state legislature. Embry has also been a candidate for higher office, including a run for mayor of Baltimore in 2016 and for lieutenant governor of Maryland in 2018.

Early life and career

Elizabeth Embry was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Robert C. Embry Jr. and Mary Ann E. Mears. Her father is known for his leadership at the Abell Foundation, while her mother is recognized for her work as a sculptor and advocate for the arts. Embry's educational journey began at Baltimore City College, followed by studies at Yale University, where she furthered her academic pursuits before attending Columbia Law School.

Embry's professional career in law began to take shape when she was appointed as a deputy prosecutor by Baltimore State's Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein in 2011. This role marked her entry into public service, where she focused on legal matters within the community. In January 2015, she was appointed as the chief of the Maryland Attorney General's criminal division, a position she held until early 2018. During her tenure, she was involved in significant legal investigations, including a notable probe into sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, which began in 2019. This investigation culminated in a comprehensive report released in late 2022, detailing numerous cases of abuse and identifying many victims.

Embry's political ambitions became evident when she announced her candidacy for mayor of Baltimore in November 2015. Her campaign focused on a variety of issues, including education, criminal justice reform, and transportation. Although she did not win the primary, placing third, her candidacy highlighted her commitment to public service and community improvement.

Legislative service

Embry's entry into the Maryland House of Delegates came after her decision to run for the seat in District 43A, which was vacated by retiring delegate Maggie McIntosh. She officially announced her candidacy on January 21, 2022, and received endorsements from notable figures within the Democratic Party, including state delegates Regina T. Boyce and Maggie McIntosh. In the primary election held on July 19, 2022, Embry secured a significant portion of the vote, ultimately winning the Democratic nomination. She continued her campaign into the general election, where she achieved victory with a notable percentage of the vote.

Embry was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. Within the legislature, she serves on the House Judiciary Committee, where she participates in discussions and decisions regarding legal and judicial matters affecting the state. Her role in the committee allows her to influence legislation related to criminal justice, public safety, and other critical areas of governance.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her political career, Elizabeth Embry has demonstrated a commitment to various policy issues, particularly those affecting her constituents in District 43A. Her platform has consistently emphasized criminal justice reform, education, housing, and social issues.

In her approach to criminal justice reform, Embry has advocated for significant changes, including the reform of the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights and the abolition of cash bail. She has also emphasized the need for improved educational services within the juvenile justice system and has supported automatic expungement of criminal records where applicable. Her proposals aim to create a more equitable justice system and to foster community trust in law enforcement.

Education remains a cornerstone of Embry's policy focus. During her mayoral campaign, she proposed a plan to double funding for schools and extracurricular activities, highlighting the importance of educational resources in fostering community development. She has also expressed support for initiatives that promote arts education, viewing it as a matter of social justice and community enrichment. Her commitment to education is reflected in her legislative priorities, where she continues to advocate for increased funding and support for schools in her district.

Housing is another critical area of focus for Embry. She has expressed support for revitalizing affordable housing initiatives, including the revival of programs that allow the sale of homes at low prices to encourage community investment. Her legislative efforts aim to address housing shortages and improve living conditions for residents in Baltimore.

Embry's stance on social issues includes a commitment to promoting the arts and supporting local artists. She has proposed initiatives to enhance arts education in schools and has advocated for policies that ensure public art is integrated into community development projects. Her focus on the arts underscores her belief in the importance of cultural enrichment as a component of community well-being.

In summary, Elizabeth Embry's career reflects her dedication to public service and her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents in Maryland's District 43A. Through her legislative work and previous political campaigns, she has sought to implement reforms in criminal justice, education, housing, and the arts, aiming to create a more equitable and vibrant community.